preen
UK[priːn]US[priːn]
v
(of a bird) to clean and arrange its feathers using its beak
v
(of a person) to spend time making yourself look neat and attractive; to feel very pleased with yourself because of an achievement or your appearance
Etymology
The verb 'preen' first appeared in Middle English, with its earliest recorded use related to the action of a bird trimming its feathers with its beak. Its origin is obscure but it is probably a variant of the Middle English verb 'proinen' or 'prunen', which had the same meaning. These earlier forms may themselves derive from Old French 'proignier', meaning 'to trim' or 'to prune'. The semantic shift from the literal grooming of birds to the figurative grooming and proud behavior of humans is a clear and logical metaphorical extension, linking physical tidiness to self-satisfaction.
Analysis
The word 'preen' is a simplex word of uncertain origin, likely a variant or alteration of an earlier English word. It is not productively formed from distinct, separable morphemes in modern English.
Examples
The robin sat on the branch, carefully preening its feathers after the rain.
He spent an hour preening in front of the mirror before his big date.
She preened herself with obvious delight after receiving the award.