to preen itself

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• preen — [pri:n] v [I and T] [Date: 1400 1500; Origin: Probably from Old French proignier; PRUNE1] 1.) if a bird preens or preens itself, it cleans itself and makes its feathers smooth using its beak 2.) to spend time making yourself look tidier and more… …   Dictionary of contemporary English

• preen — [ prin ] verb intransitive or transitive 1. ) if a bird or animal preens or preens itself, it cleans and arrange its feathers or fur with its beak or tongue 2. ) to spend a lot of time trying to make yourself look more attractive by arranging… …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

• preen — verb 1 (I, T) if a bird preens or preens itself, it cleans itself and makes its feathers smooth using its beak 2 (I) to look proud because of something you have done 3 preen yourself a) to spend a lot of time in front of a mirror making yourself… …   Longman dictionary of contemporary English

• 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… …   Universalium

• preen — UK [priːn] / US [prɪn] verb [intransitive/transitive] Word forms preen : present tense I/you/we/they preen he/she/it preens present participle preening past tense preened past participle preened 1) if a bird or animal preens or preens itself, it… …   English dictionary

• preen — v.tr. & refl. 1 (of a bird) tidy (the feathers or itself) with its beak. 2 (of a person) smarten or admire (oneself, one s hair, clothes, etc.). 3 (often foll. by on) congratulate or pride (oneself). Phrases and idioms: preen gland a gland… …   Useful english dictionary

• preen — [priːn] verb [I/T] if a bird or animal preens, or if it preens itself, it cleans and arranges its feathers or fur …   Dictionary for writing and speaking English

• plume — plumeless, adj. plumelike, adj. /ploohm/, n., v., plumed, pluming. n. 1. a feather. 2. a large, long, or conspicuous feather: the brilliant plume of a peacock. 3. a soft, fluffy feather: the plume of an egret. 4. any plumose part or formation. 5 …   Universalium

• plume — [[t]plum[/t]] n. v. plumed, plum•ing 1) orn a large, long, or conspicuous feather 2) any plumose part or formation 3) a feather or tuft of feathers worn as an ornament, token of honor or distinction, etc 4) plumage 5) cvb phs a rising or… …   From formal English to slang

• plume — /plum / (say ploohm) noun 1. a feather. 2. a large, long, or conspicuous feather: the plume of an ostrich. 3. a soft, fluffy feather. 4. any plumose part or formation. 5. a stream of smoke or vapour issuing from a stack and blown by the wind. 6.… …  

• plume — n. & v. n. 1 a feather, esp. a large one used for ornament. 2 an ornament of feathers etc. attached to a helmet or hat or worn in the hair. 3 something resembling this (a plume of smoke). 4 Zool. a feather like part or formation. v. 1 tr.… …   Useful english dictionary