from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Preen \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.
[1913 Webster]
2. To trim up, as trees. [Prov. Eng.] --Halliwell.
[1913 Webster]
3. Hence: To dress (oneself) carefully or stylishly; to
primp.
[PJC]
4. To pride (oneself) on one's accomplishments; to
congratulate (oneself).
[PJC]