Hypertext Webster Gateway: "preen"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Preen \Preen\, n. [AS. pre['o]n a clasp, bodkin; akin to D.
priem punch, bodkin, awl, G. pfriem, Icel. prj[=o]nn a
knitting needle, pin, Dan. preen a bodkin, punch.]
A forked tool used by clothiers in dressing cloth.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Preen \Preen\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Preened}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Preening}.] [See {Preen}, n.; or cf. {Prune}.]
1. To dress with, or as with, a preen; to trim or dress with
the beak, as the feathers; -- said of birds. --Derham.
2. To trim up, as trees. [Prov. Eng.] --Halliwell.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
preen
v 1: clean with one's bill, of birds [syn: {plume}]
2: pride or congratulate (oneself) for an achievement [syn: {pride},
{congratulate}]
3: dress or groom with elaborate care; "She likes to dress when
going to the opera" [syn: {primp}, {plume}, {dress}]
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