| 单词 | preen |
| 释义 | preen preen1 —preener, n. /preen/, v.t. 1. (of animals, esp. 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. v.i. 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. [1480-90; late ME prene, var. of ME prunen, proynen (see PRUNE3), perh. by assoc. with prenen, to stab, pierce (v. use, now dial., of prene PREEN2), from the pricking action of a bird's beak in preening] preen2 /preen/, n. Chiefly Brit. Dial. a pin or brooch. [bef. 1000; ME prene, OE preon a pin; c. ON prjonn pin; akin to D priem, G Pfreim awl] |
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