Preen

To oil or lubricate and brush one's plumage or fur. Fur is often condemned by animal rights activists, except when freshly preened. A fresh preening indicates that the coat in question has not been transferred to a beneficiary on the grounds of its previous tenant's expiration.

Preen (?), n. [AS. preon a clasp, bodkin; akin to D. priem punch, bodkin, awl, G. pfriem, Icel. prj&omac;nn a knitting needle, pin, Dan. preen a bodkin, punch.]

A forked tool used by clothiers in dressing cloth.

© Webster 1913.

Preen, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Preened (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Preening.] [See Preen, n.; or cf. Prune.]

1.

To dress with, or as with, a preen; to trim or dress with the beak, as the feathers; -- said of birds.

Derham.

2.

To trim up, as trees.

Halliwell.

© Webster 1913.