{f} clean one's feathers (of birds); groom with the beak (of birds); make oneself beautiful; be proud, take pride in oneself
disapproval If someone preens, they think in a pleased way about how attractive, clever, or good at something they are. She stood preening in their midst, delighted with the attention He preened himself on the praise he had received. a preening prize fighter about to enter a ring
disapproval If someone preens themselves, they spend a lot of time making themselves look neat and attractive; used especially if you want to show that you disapprove of this behaviour or that you find it ridiculous and amusing. 50% of men under 35 spend at least 20 minutes preening themselves every morning in the bathroom Bill preened his beard
To dress with, or as with, a preen; to trim or dress with the beak, as the feathers; said of birds
dress or groom with elaborate care; "She likes to dress when going to the opera" pride or congratulate (oneself) for an achievement clean with one's bill; "The birds preened