Preen
verb (used with object)
1.
(of animals, especially birds) to trim or dress (feathers, fur, etc.) with the beak or tongue:
The peacock preened itself on the lawn.
2.
to dress (oneself) carefully or smartly; primp:
The king preened himself in his elaborate ceremonial robes.
3.
to pride (oneself) on an achievement, personal quality, etc.:
He preened himself on having been graduated with honors.
verb (used without object)
4.
to make oneself appear striking or smart in dress or appearance:
No amount of careful preening will compensate for poor posture.
5.
to be exultant or proud.
noun, Chiefly British Dialect.
1.
a pin or brooch.
verb
1.
(of birds) to maintain (feathers) in a healthy condition by arrangement, cleaning, and other contact with the bill
2.
to dress or array (oneself) carefully; primp
3.
(usually foll by on) to pride or congratulate (oneself)
noun
1.
(Scot) a pin, esp a decorative one
Read Also:
- Pre-encounter
verb (used with object) 1. to come upon or meet with, especially unexpectedly: to encounter a new situation. 2. to meet with or contend against (difficulties, opposition, etc.): We encounter so many problems in our work. 3. to meet (a person, military force, etc.) in conflict: We will encounter the enemy at dawn. verb (used […]
- Preener
verb (used with object) 1. (of animals, especially birds) to trim or dress (feathers, fur, etc.) with the beak or tongue: The peacock preened itself on the lawn. 2. to dress (oneself) carefully or smartly; primp: The king preened himself in his elaborate ceremonial robes. 3. to pride (oneself) on an achievement, personal quality, etc.: […]
- Preengage
verb (used with or without object), preengaged, preengaging. 1. to engage beforehand. 2. to put under obligation, especially to marry, by a prior engagement. 3. to win the favor or attention of beforehand: Other matters preengaged him.
- Pre-engage
verb (used with or without object), preengaged, preengaging. 1. to engage beforehand. 2. to put under obligation, especially to marry, by a prior engagement. 3. to win the favor or attention of beforehand: Other matters preengaged him.
- Pre-engaged
verb (used with or without object), preengaged, preengaging. 1. to engage beforehand. 2. to put under obligation, especially to marry, by a prior engagement. 3. to win the favor or attention of beforehand: Other matters preengaged him.