| 释义 |
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2024preen1 /prin/USA pronunciation v. - Zoology[~ + object] (of a bird) to clean or dress (its feathers, etc.) with the beak or tongue.
- to dress (oneself ) carefully or smartly;
primp: [no object]stood preening in front of the mirror.[~ + oneself]preening himself in front of the mirror. - to be proud and show one's appreciation of oneself because of personal quality, etc.: [no object]He stood there preening as the teacher congratulated him.[~ + oneself]preening herself on her accomplishments.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2024preen1 (prēn),USA pronunciation v.t. - Zoology(of animals, esp. birds) to trim or dress (feathers, fur, etc.) with the beak or tongue:The peacock preened itself on the lawn.
- to dress (oneself ) carefully or smartly;
primp:The king preened himself in his elaborate ceremonial robes. - to pride (oneself ) on an achievement, personal quality, etc.:He preened himself on having been graduated with honors.
v.i. - to make oneself appear striking or smart in dress or appearance:No amount of careful preening will compensate for poor posture.
- to be exultant or proud.
- late Middle English prene, variant of Middle English prunen, proynen (see prune3), perh. by association with prenen, to stab, pierce (verb, verbal use, now dialect, dialectal, of prene preen2), from the pricking action of a bird's beak in preening 1480–90
- British Termsa pin or brooch.
- bef. 1000; Middle English prene, Old English prēon a pin; cognate with Old Norse prjōnn pin; akin to Dutch priem, German Pfreim awl
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers:: preen /priːn/ vb - (of birds) to maintain (feathers) in a healthy condition by arrangement, cleaning, and other contact with the bill
- to dress or array (oneself) carefully; primp
- (usually followed by on) to pride or congratulate (oneself)
Etymology: 14th Century preinen, probably from prunen to prune³, influenced by prenen to prick, pin (see preen²); suggestive of the pricking movement of the bird's beakˈpreener n |