preenn.

Brit.

/priːn/, U.S.

/prin/, Scottish English

/prin/

Forms: Old English prion, Old English (early Middle English south-west midlands) preon, early Middle English pren, Middle English permis (plural, probably transmission error), Middle English prene, Middle English preyne, Middle English pryn, 1500s prane, 1500s prayne, 1500s (1900s– historical) praine, 1600s preene, 1600s prine; English regional 1800s– preen (northern), 1800s– prin (northern), 1800s– prine (Essex); Scottish pre-1700 prean, pre-1700 preane, pre-1700 preine, pre-1700 preinne, pre-1700 prene, pre-1700 prennis (plural), pre-1700 preyn, pre-1700 preyne, pre-1700 priene, pre-1700 prinies (plural), pre-1700 prinnes (plural), pre-1700 pryne, pre-1700 prynnis (plural), pre-1700 1700s prine, pre-1700 1700s–1800s prein, pre-1700 1700s– preen, pre-1700 1700s– prin; Irish English 1900s– preen.

Origin: A word inherited from Germanic.

Etymology: Cognate with Middle Low German prēn , prēne small spike, awl (German regional (Low German) Preen ; > Swedish pren (1541), Danish pren , both in sense ‘spike’), Old Icelandic prjónn knitting needle, Norwegian regional prjona pin, prjöne knitting needle, Danish regional pryne long needle used by fishermen, and also Middle Dutch prieme dagger, pointed tool, hairpin (Dutch priem ), Middle Low German prēm , prīm small spike, awl (German regional (Low German) Preem , Priem ), Middle High German pfriem , pfrieme small spike, awl (German Pfriem ); further etymology uncertain (it is also uncertain whether the forms in final -m or -n are original); perhaps compare further Middle Dutch pryel dagger, Swedish pryl dagger, pointed tool, spike (1583 as prel ). Compare post-classical Latin prenum (1346 in a British source), and also post-classical Latin premula (in 15th-cent. Latin-German glossaries; compare classical Latin -ula -ula suffix).The Germanic word may ultimately be < the same Indo-European base as Gothic qairu pointed pole, classical Latin verū spit (see verumontanum n.), Early Irish bir spear, spit, spike (Irish bior spike). Scottish Gaelic prìne pin is < Scots.

Now chiefly Scottish and English regional (northern).

a. Originally: a decorative pin, a brooch, a clasp. Later more generally: a pin.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > types of ornamentation > jewellery > brooch or pin > [noun]

preenOE

brooch?c1225

pina1275

lacec1384

ouchec1384

troche1434

fermilletc1475

bague1477

fermail1480

fibula1673

stickpin1890

society > occupation and work > equipment > building and constructing equipment > fastenings > [noun] > pin or peg

preenOE

prickOE

kevel1251

pina1275

prag1354

key1434

peg1440

tholec1440

thole-pinc1440

lock1514

cotterel1570

pivot1730

pinning1742

steady pin1791

gib1795

needle1811

lockdown1832

cotter1842

peglet1890

pushpin1903

OE Antwerp Gloss. (1955) 157 Fibula, preon uel oferfeng.

c1155 ( Will of Wulfwaru (Sawyer 1538) in S. E. Kelly Charters of Bath & Wells (2007) 137 Ic geann Godan minre yldran dehter..anes bendes on ðritigum mancussum goldes, & twegea preonas & anes wifscrudes ealles.

c1225 ( Ælfric Gloss. (Worcester) in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker Anglo-Saxon & Old Eng. Vocab. (1884) I. 540 [Spi]nter, dalc, uel preon.

a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 1872 Gol prenes and ringes wið hem, Diep he is dalf under an ooc.

c1475 (a1400) Awntyrs Arthure (Taylor) in J. Robson Three Early Eng. Metrical Romances (1842) 14 Hur kurchefes were curiouse, with mony a proud prene [c1440 Thornton pyne; a1500 Douce pene].

1494 in Acts Lords of Council Civil Causes (1839) I. 320/2 Claspis melȝeis prennis neidellis price xx s.

1572 R. Sempill Lament. Commounis Scotl. (single sheet) And we agane wald by ane Fraer of Fegges Baith prenis and nedillis and sell to landwart Megges.

a1586 King Hart l. 127 in W. A. Craigie Maitland Folio MS (1919) I. 258 For wes þair nocht..That no man micht the poynting of ane prene Repreve.

1621 Edinb. Test. LI. f. 77^v, in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue at Prene Four grotkin of preinnes at fyftie schillingis the grotkin.

1670 in W. Mackay & G. S. Laing Rec. Inverness (1924) II. 242 Not to sell..any steple guids except preins and needles.

1725 A. Ramsay Gentle Shepherd ii. ii. 23 Of this unsonsy Pictures aft she makes Of ony ane she hates..Stuck fou of Prines.

1744 in Sc. Jrnl. (1848) 1 334/2 A paper of Preins..5s.

1825 J. T. Brockett Gloss. North Country Words Prin, a pin.

1891 J. J. H. Burgess Rasmie's Büddie 5 His een lookit at me as sharp laek as preens.

1920 J. Firth Reminisc. 93 A small figure of a man..stuck full of ‘preens’ had been laid in a certain burn.

1950 F. D. Gullen Trad. Number Rhymes 47 Dab a prin in my lottery book.

2000 J. Robertson Fanatic 69 When they gang tae the cottage they find it [sc. a doll]..wi three preens intil it.

b. figurative. Chiefly Scottish. In negative contexts as the type of something small, insignificant, or of little worth. Cf. pin n.¹ Phrases 2a(a).

ΚΠ

1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) vii. l. 910 Off courtlynes thai cownt him nocht a preyne.

a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 72 That all the laws ar nocht set by ane prene.

1575 J. Rolland Treat. Court Venus iii. f. 45 For sic storyis I cuir thame not ane prene.

1603 Thre Prestis of Peblis (Charteris) (1920) 50 To the thow thocht I was not worth ane prene.

1728 A. Ramsay To R. Yarde 53 Thousands a-year's no worth a Prin, When e'er this fashious Guest gets it.

1768 A. Ross Fortunate Shepherdess 5 Speak my ain leed, 'tis gueed auld Scots I mean, Your Southern gnaps, I count not worth a preen.

1815 W. Scott Guy Mannering II. iv. 53 Ye ken yoursell I am never a prin the waur o' my rambles.

1871 C. Gibbon For Lack of Gold ii You got to like books, and he didna care a prin for them.

1901 ‘G. Douglas’ House with Green Shutters v He never cared a preen for her.

1913 Kelso Chron. 24 Jan. 2/8 Nane o' the ither members has a bairn at the schule, an' Aw'm thinkin' they dinna care a preen what gangs on in't.

2002 Lallans 61 11 E'en the braidest spick at Ah could record, frae spickers at didnae gie a preen for correckness.

†2. A nail; a spike. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > equipment > building and constructing equipment > fastenings > [noun] > nail

naileOE

preenc1225

tacket1316

tack-nail1463

c1225 (?c1200) St. Katherine (1973) 1924 (MED) Te pikes & te irnene preones [L. clavis] se scharpe & se starke borien þurh & beoren forð feor on þet oðer half.

?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 67 Þe fikelere blent mon. & Put him preon [a1250 Titus pricke] in þe echȝe þet he wið sikeleð.

?a1300 Iacob & Iosep (Bodl.) (1916) 402 (MED) Iosep..nam a guldene nap..& putte in þones sakke wiþinne þe prene; & þerof come þis ȝunge men swiþe muche tene.

a1399 in W. G. Benham Oath Bk. Colchester (1907) 6 M pryn, iiij d.

a1450 Castle Perseverance (1969) l. 1903 Sprede my penon upon a prene And stryke we forthe now vndyr sterre.

3. A fishing hook. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > hunting > fishing > fishing-tackle > hook > [noun]

angleeOE

hookc950

angle-hooka1382

fish-hooka1387

preen1469

angling hook1549

fishing-hook1725

1469 Sc. Acts Jas. III (1814) II. 96/2 Fisch..ar distroyit be cowpis narow massis nettis prinnis set in to Reueris that has course to þe sey or set within þe flude merk of þe Seye.

1897 Shetland News 2 Oct. Shu's juist left me da upper preen o' mi new gut-flee.

1903 Eng. Dial. Dict. 611/2 I flang by me grain o' hoe-busk an' me preen s an' guid for da door. ‘Can ye tell me, gudeman, what dis is 'at ye're claedin your preen s wi?’

4. The bar-tailed godwit, Limosa lapponica, which has a long, slightly upturned bill. Now historical and rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > animals > birds > order Charadriiformes > family Scolopacidae (snipes, etc.) > [noun] > member of genus Limosa (godwit) > limosa lapponica (bar-tailed godwit)

preen1548

yarwhelp1577

pick1655

stone plover1678

red-breasted godwit1747

red godwit1768

strand plover1772

bar-tailed godwit1828

kuaka1873

1548 Provision Acct. Bk. Ingatestone Hall in F. G. Emmison Tudor Secretary (1961) App. 307 Presentes... 9 praynes from Mr. Hayes father.

1552 in F. G. Emmison Tudor Secretary (1961) viii. 138 Praines..2s 4d.

1864 J. C. Atkinson List Provinc. Names Birds Preen, prov. name..for Bar-tailed Godwit, Limosa rufa.

1885 C. Swainson Provinc. Names Brit. Birds 198 Bar-tailed Godwit. Prine (Essex). From its habit of probing the mud for food.

1961 F. G. Emmison Tudor Secretary viii. 146 The good wishes of relations and neighbours were accompanied by curlews, praines, plovers, oxbirds.

†5. A comb-like tool used by clothmakers (see quot. 1688). Cf. preem n.¹ Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > treating or processing textile materials > [noun] > combing > card or comb

card1463

preen1602

comb-

1602 Inventory 29 Dec. in Ipswich Probate Inventories 1583–1631 (1981) 55 Iij prines iiij pumistones viij Cottoning bourds.

1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory iii. 290/1 Preene,..an Instrument used by the Clothworkers..for their Handle Dressing, or picking of the Wool Flocks,..an half round piece of Wood, with a handle..the streight side being set with Wyers like teeth.

Compounds

preen-cod n. now rare a pincushion; also in extended use (in quot. ?a1513 used of a woman's genitals).

ΚΠ

a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 246 Syne said (and swoir..) That he suld nocht twich hir prenecod.

1558 in J. Stuart Extracts Council Reg. Aberdeen (1844) I. 309 For the wrangous reiffing..fra hir of ane plyd, ane pettioitt [sic],..ane stomak, ane preyne cod, and xvj d. thairin.

1649 in W. Fraser Memorials Family Wemyss (1888) II. 231 My grit prinkod and broutherd box[i]s.

1790 F. Grose Provinc. Gloss. (ed. 2) Prin-cod, A pin-cushion. North. Figuratively, a short fat man or woman.

1822 J. Galt Provost v. 38 The Nabob..made [them] presents of new gowns and prin-cods.

1893 R. Ford Harp Perthshire 210 A preen-cod, aged fifty years, Aye danglin' at the side.

1928 J. G. Horne Lan'wart Loon 11 Had you been made a leevin' preen-cod, You'd socht a mowdie-hill to fa' on.

† preen-cushion n. Obsolete rare = preen-cod n.

ΚΠ

1888 A. G. Murdoch Sc. Readings 2nd Ser. 65 A sawdust preen-cushion.

preen-head n. a pinhead; frequently as the type of something small, insignificant, or of little worth (cf. sense 1b).

ΚΠ

1646 J. Hope Diary in Misc. Sc. Hist. Soc. (1958) 9 176 Full of small holles of the bignes of a small preen head.

1793 ‘T. Thrum’ Look before ye Loup 5 Will aw your wise heads convince ony man that has a grain of mither wit, that the country's a prin-head the better for takin the fo'k awa frae their necessary employments?

1897 E. W. Hamilton Outlaws of Marches xviii. 207 I canna mind ae single Armstrong..worth a prein-head.

1953 Banffshire Jrnl. 17 Nov. 4/4 Happy lads an' lasses, oot for the day an' (nae) carin' a preen-heid fat happent.

† preen-point n. Obsolete a pinpoint; also as the type of something small, insignificant, or of little worth (cf. preen-head n.).

ΚΠ

1785 Comical Tricks Leper the Taylor 4 Down she sits with all her weight on the prin-point.

1886 A. D. Willock Rosetty Ends (1887) vi. 42 No' carin' a preen-point for the sorrow they left ahint them.

† preensworth n. Obsolete rare the value of a preen or pin; a very small amount.

ΚΠ

1887 J. Service Life Dr. Duguid i. iii. 20 Lord, there's no a preensworth but Thou kens.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2007; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

preenv.¹

Brit.

/priːn/, U.S.

/prin/, Scottish English

/prin/

Forms: early Middle English preone (south-west midlands), Middle English preen, Middle English prendyd (past participle, transmission error), Middle English prene, Middle English pryne; Scottish pre-1700 prein, pre-1700 prene, pre-1700 prine, pre-1700 pryn, pre-1700 1700s–1800s prin, 1800s pren, 1800s– preen.

Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: preen n.

Etymology: < preen n. Compare Middle Dutch priemen to stab, pierce (Dutch priemen), Middle Low German prǖnen to pin together, to stitch together roughly (German regional (Low German) prünen, prienen), German pfriemen to bore with an awl, to pin (1544 or earlier), Icelandic prjóna to knit, Danish prene to pierce.

Now rare (Scottish in later use).

†1. transitive. To sew up; to stitch, embroider. Also intransitive. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > sewing or ornamenting textile fabric > sew or ornament textile fabric [verb (transitive)] > sew > sew together

sewc725

stitch?c1225

preena1275

steek1502

to stitch up1590

baste1600

a1275 in C. Brown Eng. Lyrics 13th Cent. (1932) 46 Me nimit þe licam & prenit [v.rr. preoneð, iprened] in on clut.

c1450 (?a1370) Wynnere & Wastoure (1990) l. 232 I gedir, I glene and he lattys goo sone, I pryke and I pryne and he the purse opynes.

a1522 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid iii. vii. 26 Brusit clathis, and riche wedis, Figurit and prynnit al with goldin thredis.

1542 Acts & Decreets I. f. 140^v Ane pair of gluvis of claith wovin prynnit with gold.

†2. transitive and intransitive. To stab; to pierce. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > condition of being open or not closed > making holes or becoming holed > make (an opening or hole) [verb (transitive)] > make an opening or hole in or into > bore, pierce, or perforate > with something sharp-pointed > transfix

through-driveOE

through-nimc1275

stickc1330

through-piercec1330

to stick througha1382

preenc1390

spitc1430

thirlc1450

broacha1470

prickc1475

to stick up1528

transfix1590

fix1638

bestick1667

impalea1678

spiculate1835

skewer1837

to strike through1893

c1390 in C. Brown Relig. Lyrics 14th Cent. (1924) 157 Loke al ȝor loue on him beo leyd, For vs on Rode was prikket & prenet.

a1400 (?a1325) Medit. on Supper of our Lord (Harl.) (1875) 859 (MED) Þurgh hys herte he prened [v.r. preent] hym with mode.

a1425 (c1395) Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) (Royal) (1850) 1 Kings xviii. 11 Saul helde a spere, and caste it, and gesside that he myȝte prene [L. configere] Dauid with the wal, that is, perse with the spere so that it schulde passe [v.r. preen] til to the wal.

?a1475 Ludus Coventriae (1922) 175 (MED) For now my fo is ded and prendyd as a padde.

?a1525 (?a1475) Play Sacrament l. 467 in N. Davis Non-Cycle Plays & Fragm. (1970) 72 With þis same dagger..In þe myddys of thys prynt I thynke for to prene [rhymes kene, bene, sene]..[stage direct.] Here shalle þe iiij Jewys pryk þer daggeris in iiij quarters.

?a1525 (?a1475) Play Sacrament l. 478 in N. Davis Non-Cycle Plays & Fragm. (1970) 73 Now am I bold with batayle hym to bleyke, Þe mydle part alle for to prene..In þe myddys yt shalbe sene!

3. transitive. To fasten or affix with a pin; to pin (literal and figurative).

ΚΠ

1572 in J. Cranstoun Satirical Poems Reformation (1891) I. xxxiii. 22 My Coller, of trew Nichtbour lufe it was, Weill prenit on with Kyndnes and solas.

c1600 (c1350) Alisaunder (Greaves) (1929) 420 Hur Prince in þe forme prese was prened to þe erth.

1624 in J. Robertson Select. Reg. Presbytery of Lanark (1839) 2 Ane discharg..heir prined into the book.

1647–8 in J. Stuart Misc. Spalding Club (1852) V. 108 The papers that is prined on the bristis of thes that stand on the scaffold.

1675 in W. Hunter Biggar & House of Fleming (1862) ix. 96 For a dosen of great prinies to prin ye mortcloath and horscloath.

1725 A. Ramsay Gentle Shepherd v. ii. 79 Prin up your Aprons baith, and come away.

1776 D. Herd Anc. & Mod. Sc. Songs (ed. 2) II. ii. 231 She took the dish-clout aff the bink, And prin'd it to her cockernonie.

1888 A. Conan Doyle Capt. Polestar 25 I canna say I preen my faith in sea-bogles and the like.

1918 V. Jacob More Songs of Angus 32 He'd gie them a' to get the preen That preened the flowers in till my hair.

1934 ‘Uncle Tom’ Mrs. Goudie's Tea Pairty 24 It was jist rale kind o' ye biath tae preen fleurs on the breest o' them whan ye was comin' to oor pairty.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2007; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

preenv.²

Brit.

/priːn/, U.S.

/prin/

Forms: Middle English prayne, Middle English prene, Middle English preyne, 1600s prain, 1600s– preen, 1700s prine, 1800s– preean (English regional (northern)); Scottish pre-1700 prein, pre-1700 1700s– preen, 1700s– prin.

Origin: A variant or alteration of another lexical item. Etymon: prune v.¹

Etymology: Variant of prune v.¹, apparently partly (in early forms with -ei- or -ai- ) showing a phonetic development (see E. J. Dobson Eng. Pronunc. 1500–1700 (ed. 2, 1968) II. §272), and partly influenced in form by association with preen v.¹ (arising from the boring or pricking action of a bird's beak when it preens its plumage). Compare also preen v.³Although attested earlier, sense 1 is apparently a figurative use of sense 2. Compare prune v.¹ 1, 2.

a. transitive (reflexive). To devote effort to improving one's appearance (frequently with the implication of pride in and admiration of the result); to titivate oneself, make oneself smart. Also intransitive in same sense.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautification of the person > beautify the person [verb (reflexive)]

preenc1395

prunec1395

prank1546

to set oneself out to the life1604

adonize1611

briska1625

tight1775

to make up1778

tighten1786

smarten1796

pretty1868

tart1938

pansy1946

sharpen1952

primp1959

c1395 G. Chaucer Merchant's Tale 2011 Damyan..kembeth hym; he preyneth [v.rr. prayneth, proyneth, prunyht, pruneth] hym and pyketh.

c1549 Tamlane in W. E. Aytoun Ballads Scotl. (1858) I. 7 She's prink'd hersell, and preen'd hersell.

a1586 W. Dunbar in W. A. Craigie Maitland Folio MS (1919) I. 110 I wald me prein [?1507 Rouen prunȝa] plesandlie in precious wedis.

1701 Descr. Cockernonie (single sheet) Those maids do prick and prine themselves, to make them trim and bony.

?1772 Young Coalman's Courtship to Creelwife's Daughter (ed. 3) ii. 4 A stinking pridfu' jade..ay, scraping and washing at herself, pricking and prining.

1790 D. Morison Poems 81 Ne'er price a weardless, wanton elf, That nought but pricks and prins herself.

1874 Littell's Living Age 9 May 357/2 She took comfort, and preened herself like a bird, and came again forth to the day in all her sweet bloom.

1883 Fortn. Rev. Sept. 344 Egyptian beauties..sleeked and preened themselves before their brightly burnished brazen mirrors.

1922 J. Joyce Ulysses ii. x. [Wandering Rocks] 230 Mr Kernan halted and preened himself before the sloping mirror of Peter Kennedy, hairdresser.

1987 K. Lette Girls' Night Out (1989) 96 The girls on their Hens' Night were creaming and preening and applying blusher, centre chest, to camouflage undernourished cleavages.

2001 House Mag. 29 Jan. 5/6 I preen myself all Wednesday morning ready for my question to the prime minister.

b. transitive (reflexive). figurative. To congratulate or pride oneself on; to show self-satisfaction. Also occasionally intransitive in same sense.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > pride > be or become proud [verb (reflexive)]

wlenchc1200

pridea1275

enhancec1380

empride1435

brave1581

prune1598

plume1643

value1648

pique1684

bepride1690

hump1835

tumefy1837

preen1880

to be all over oneself1910

1880 J. H. Shorthouse John Inglesant Pref. 8 They and their followers preen and plume themselves..on their aristocratic standpoint.

1907 G. B. Shaw John Bull's Other Island p. liv Not so pitiable as the virtuous indignation with which Judge Lynch..preened himself at its expense.

1926 W. Muir & E. Muir tr. Feuchtwanger Jew Süss i. 7 The Catholics were preening themselves on the probable extinction of the Protestant line in Swabia.

1948 O. Walker Kaffirs are Lively xi. 164 South Africa..sometimes preens itself on its lack of lynch-law.

1964 I. Wallace Man (1965) ii. 115 Poole gloried and preened at the compliment.

2005 National Rev. (Nexis) 29 Aug. The multiculturalism upon which the liberal elite so preens itself would not appear to the extremist to be an expression of generosity and broadmindedness.

a. intransitive. Of a bird: to tend its feathers with its beak, arranging, cleaning, and generally maintaining them. Also transitive (reflexive) in same sense.

ΘΚΠ

the world > animals > birds > actions or bird defined by > [verb (intransitive)] > preen

prunec1390

preen?c1450

prink1878

?c1450 Pistel of Swete Susan (Pierpont Morgan) 81 (MED) Þies papyniayes pykyn and prenen for prowde.

1486 Bk. St. Albans sig. avi Youre hawke proynith and not pikith, and she prenyth not bot whan she begynnyth at hir leggys, and fettheth moystour like oyle at hir taill.

1681 W. Robertson Phraseologia generalis (1693) 989 To pick or prain, as a bird doth herself.

1840 D. P. Blaine Encycl. Rural Sports §2618 Where they [sc. partridges] bask at noontide, and where they preen, scratch, and gravel.

1874 Appleton's Jrnl. 18 Apr. 511/2 A vulture..too gorged to join the filthy flock preening itself on the gaunt dead trunks that line the road.

1887 T. Hardy Woodlanders I. xi. 204 A comfortable family of sparrows perched in a line along the string-course of the chimney, and preening themselves in the rays of the sun.

1912 H. Church Poems 186 Not a bird will crisp or preen, Though it be the top of morn.

1983 T. Winton in Meanjin Dec. 508 They clucked and preened and ruffled and Kylie grew to like them.

2005 Belfast Tel. (Nexis) 22 July The problem is aggravated because when the birds preen themselves they ingest the oil.

b. transitive. Of a bird: to tend (its feathers) by preening.

ΘΚΠ

the world > animals > birds > actions or bird defined by > [verb (transitive)] > preen

fret1423

prune?1533

prink1573

plume1637

wheta1678

preen1692

1692 J. Ray Wisdom of God (ed. 2) i. 139 When..ruffled or discomposed, the Bird..can easily preen them.

1774 G. White Let. 28 Sept. in Nat. Hist. Selborne (1789) 183 The feathers of these birds must be well preened to resist so much wet.

1793 J. Leslie tr. Comte de Buffon Nat. Hist. Birds IX. 180 They also frequently preened their plumage with the bill.

1845 H. W. Herbert Warwick Woodlands 35 The drake reflects his purple neck to preen his ruffled wing.

1921 Washington Post 27 Nov. (Mag.) 8/2 The birds are beginning to preen their feathers and sing again.

1988 N. Lowndes Chekago iv. 143 A couple of crows preened their tail-feathers on the deal shuttering boards.

Derivatives

preened adj.

ΚΠ

c1598 King James VI & I Basilicon Doron (1944) I. iii. 174 Thay soulde not..be thaire painted preined facon serue for baitis to filthie leacherie.

1877 E. Pfeiffer Glân-Alarch i. 55 The sleek, preened head of Bronwen.

2002 Dominion (Wellington, N.Z.) (Nexis) 17 Apr. 10 A group of die-hard fans who took a fancy to his preened hair, plucked eyebrows and pouty mouth.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2007; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

preenv.³

Brit.

/priːn/, U.S.

/prin/

Forms: 1800s preen, 1900s– preean.

Origin: A variant or alteration of another lexical item. Etymon: prune v.²

Etymology: Variant of prune v.², perhaps by association with preen v.²

English regional (northern). Now rare.

transitive. To prune or trim (a tree, plant, etc.).

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > farming > forestry or arboriculture > [verb (transitive)] > trees: prune or lop

sneda800

shredc1000

crop?c1225

purgec1384

parea1398

shear1398

shridea1425

dodc1440

polla1449

twist1483

top1509

stow1513

lop1519

bough?1523

head?1523

poll-shred1530

prune1547

prime1565

twig1570

reform1574

disbranch1575

shroud1577

snathe1609

detruncate1623

amputate1638

abnodate1656

duba1661

to strip up1664

reprune1666

pollard1670

shrub1682

log1699

switch1811

limb1835

preen1847

to cut back1871

shrig1873

brash1950

summer prune1980

1847 J. O. Halliwell Dict. Archaic & Provinc. Words II Preen, to prime, or trim up trees.

1928 A. E. Pease Dict. Dial. N. Riding Yorks. 98/2 Preean, to prune.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2007; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

n.OE

v.¹a1275

v.²c1395

v.³1847

单词	preen
释义	preenn. Brit. /priːn/, U.S. /prin/, Scottish English /prin/ Forms: Old English prion, Old English (early Middle English south-west midlands) preon, early Middle English pren, Middle English permis (plural, probably transmission error), Middle English prene, Middle English preyne, Middle English pryn, 1500s prane, 1500s prayne, 1500s (1900s– historical) praine, 1600s preene, 1600s prine; English regional 1800s– preen (northern), 1800s– prin (northern), 1800s– prine (Essex); Scottish pre-1700 prean, pre-1700 preane, pre-1700 preine, pre-1700 preinne, pre-1700 prene, pre-1700 prennis (plural), pre-1700 preyn, pre-1700 preyne, pre-1700 priene, pre-1700 prinies (plural), pre-1700 prinnes (plural), pre-1700 pryne, pre-1700 prynnis (plural), pre-1700 1700s prine, pre-1700 1700s–1800s prein, pre-1700 1700s– preen, pre-1700 1700s– prin; Irish English 1900s– preen. Origin: A word inherited from Germanic. Etymology: Cognate with Middle Low German prēn , prēne small spike, awl (German regional (Low German) Preen ; > Swedish pren (1541), Danish pren , both in sense ‘spike’), Old Icelandic prjónn knitting needle, Norwegian regional prjona pin, prjöne knitting needle, Danish regional pryne long needle used by fishermen, and also Middle Dutch prieme dagger, pointed tool, hairpin (Dutch priem ), Middle Low German prēm , prīm small spike, awl (German regional (Low German) Preem , Priem ), Middle High German pfriem , pfrieme small spike, awl (German Pfriem ); further etymology uncertain (it is also uncertain whether the forms in final -m or -n are original); perhaps compare further Middle Dutch pryel dagger, Swedish pryl dagger, pointed tool, spike (1583 as prel ). Compare post-classical Latin prenum (1346 in a British source), and also post-classical Latin premula (in 15th-cent. Latin-German glossaries; compare classical Latin -ula -ula suffix).The Germanic word may ultimately be < the same Indo-European base as Gothic qairu pointed pole, classical Latin verū spit (see verumontanum n.), Early Irish bir spear, spit, spike (Irish bior spike). Scottish Gaelic prìne pin is < Scots. Now chiefly Scottish and English regional (northern). 1. a. Originally: a decorative pin, a brooch, a clasp. Later more generally: a pin. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > types of ornamentation > jewellery > brooch or pin > [noun] preenOE brooch?c1225 pina1275 lacec1384 ouchec1384 troche1434 fermilletc1475 bague1477 fermail1480 fibula1673 stickpin1890 society > occupation and work > equipment > building and constructing equipment > fastenings > [noun] > pin or peg preenOE prickOE kevel1251 pina1275 prag1354 key1434 peg1440 tholec1440 thole-pinc1440 lock1514 cotterel1570 pivot1730 pinning1742 steady pin1791 gib1795 needle1811 lockdown1832 cotter1842 peglet1890 pushpin1903 OE Antwerp Gloss. (1955) 157 Fibula, preon uel oferfeng. c1155 ( Will of Wulfwaru (Sawyer 1538) in S. E. Kelly Charters of Bath & Wells (2007) 137 Ic geann Godan minre yldran dehter..anes bendes on ðritigum mancussum goldes, & twegea preonas & anes wifscrudes ealles. c1225 ( Ælfric Gloss. (Worcester) in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker Anglo-Saxon & Old Eng. Vocab. (1884) I. 540 [Spi]nter, dalc, uel preon. a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 1872 Gol prenes and ringes wið hem, Diep he is dalf under an ooc. c1475 (a1400) Awntyrs Arthure (Taylor) in J. Robson Three Early Eng. Metrical Romances (1842) 14 Hur kurchefes were curiouse, with mony a proud prene [c1440 Thornton pyne; a1500 Douce pene]. 1494 in Acts Lords of Council Civil Causes (1839) I. 320/2 Claspis melȝeis prennis neidellis price xx s. 1572 R. Sempill Lament. Commounis Scotl. (single sheet) And we agane wald by ane Fraer of Fegges Baith prenis and nedillis and sell to landwart Megges. a1586 King Hart l. 127 in W. A. Craigie Maitland Folio MS (1919) I. 258 For wes þair nocht..That no man micht the poynting of ane prene Repreve. 1621 Edinb. Test. LI. f. 77^v, in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue at Prene Four grotkin of preinnes at fyftie schillingis the grotkin. 1670 in W. Mackay & G. S. Laing Rec. Inverness (1924) II. 242 Not to sell..any steple guids except preins and needles. 1725 A. Ramsay Gentle Shepherd ii. ii. 23 Of this unsonsy Pictures aft she makes Of ony ane she hates..Stuck fou of Prines. 1744 in Sc. Jrnl. (1848) 1 334/2 A paper of Preins..5s. 1825 J. T. Brockett Gloss. North Country Words Prin, a pin. 1891 J. J. H. Burgess Rasmie's Büddie 5 His een lookit at me as sharp laek as preens. 1920 J. Firth Reminisc. 93 A small figure of a man..stuck full of ‘preens’ had been laid in a certain burn. 1950 F. D. Gullen Trad. Number Rhymes 47 Dab a prin in my lottery book. 2000 J. Robertson Fanatic 69 When they gang tae the cottage they find it [sc. a doll]..wi three preens intil it. b. figurative. Chiefly Scottish. In negative contexts as the type of something small, insignificant, or of little worth. Cf. pin n.¹ Phrases 2a(a). ΚΠ 1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) vii. l. 910 Off courtlynes thai cownt him nocht a preyne. a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 72 That all the laws ar nocht set by ane prene. 1575 J. Rolland Treat. Court Venus iii. f. 45 For sic storyis I cuir thame not ane prene. 1603 Thre Prestis of Peblis (Charteris) (1920) 50 To the thow thocht I was not worth ane prene. 1728 A. Ramsay To R. Yarde 53 Thousands a-year's no worth a Prin, When e'er this fashious Guest gets it. 1768 A. Ross Fortunate Shepherdess 5 Speak my ain leed, 'tis gueed auld Scots I mean, Your Southern gnaps, I count not worth a preen. 1815 W. Scott Guy Mannering II. iv. 53 Ye ken yoursell I am never a prin the waur o' my rambles. 1871 C. Gibbon For Lack of Gold ii You got to like books, and he didna care a prin for them. 1901 ‘G. Douglas’ House with Green Shutters v He never cared a preen for her. 1913 Kelso Chron. 24 Jan. 2/8 Nane o' the ither members has a bairn at the schule, an' Aw'm thinkin' they dinna care a preen what gangs on in't. 2002 Lallans 61 11 E'en the braidest spick at Ah could record, frae spickers at didnae gie a preen for correckness. †2. A nail; a spike. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > equipment > building and constructing equipment > fastenings > [noun] > nail naileOE preenc1225 tacket1316 tack-nail1463 c1225 (?c1200) St. Katherine (1973) 1924 (MED) Te pikes & te irnene preones [L. clavis] se scharpe & se starke borien þurh & beoren forð feor on þet oðer half. ?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 67 Þe fikelere blent mon. & Put him preon [a1250 Titus pricke] in þe echȝe þet he wið sikeleð. ?a1300 Iacob & Iosep (Bodl.) (1916) 402 (MED) Iosep..nam a guldene nap..& putte in þones sakke wiþinne þe prene; & þerof come þis ȝunge men swiþe muche tene. a1399 in W. G. Benham Oath Bk. Colchester (1907) 6 M pryn, iiij d. a1450 Castle Perseverance (1969) l. 1903 Sprede my penon upon a prene And stryke we forthe now vndyr sterre. 3. A fishing hook. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > hunting > fishing > fishing-tackle > hook > [noun] angleeOE hookc950 angle-hooka1382 fish-hooka1387 preen1469 angling hook1549 fishing-hook1725 1469 Sc. Acts Jas. III (1814) II. 96/2 Fisch..ar distroyit be cowpis narow massis nettis prinnis set in to Reueris that has course to þe sey or set within þe flude merk of þe Seye. 1897 Shetland News 2 Oct. Shu's juist left me da upper preen o' mi new gut-flee. 1903 Eng. Dial. Dict. 611/2 I flang by me grain o' hoe-busk an' me preen s an' guid for da door. ‘Can ye tell me, gudeman, what dis is 'at ye're claedin your preen s wi?’ 4. The bar-tailed godwit, Limosa lapponica, which has a long, slightly upturned bill. Now historical and rare. ΘΚΠ the world > animals > birds > order Charadriiformes > family Scolopacidae (snipes, etc.) > [noun] > member of genus Limosa (godwit) > limosa lapponica (bar-tailed godwit) preen1548 yarwhelp1577 pick1655 stone plover1678 red-breasted godwit1747 red godwit1768 strand plover1772 bar-tailed godwit1828 bar-tailed godwit1828 kuaka1873 1548 Provision Acct. Bk. Ingatestone Hall in F. G. Emmison Tudor Secretary (1961) App. 307 Presentes... 9 praynes from Mr. Hayes father. 1552 in F. G. Emmison Tudor Secretary (1961) viii. 138 Praines..2s 4d. 1864 J. C. Atkinson List Provinc. Names Birds Preen, prov. name..for Bar-tailed Godwit, Limosa rufa. 1885 C. Swainson Provinc. Names Brit. Birds 198 Bar-tailed Godwit. Prine (Essex). From its habit of probing the mud for food. 1961 F. G. Emmison Tudor Secretary viii. 146 The good wishes of relations and neighbours were accompanied by curlews, praines, plovers, oxbirds. †5. A comb-like tool used by clothmakers (see quot. 1688). Cf. preem n.¹ Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > treating or processing textile materials > [noun] > combing > card or comb card1463 preen1602 comb- 1602 Inventory 29 Dec. in Ipswich Probate Inventories 1583–1631 (1981) 55 Iij prines iiij pumistones viij Cottoning bourds. 1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory iii. 290/1 Preene,..an Instrument used by the Clothworkers..for their Handle Dressing, or picking of the Wool Flocks,..an half round piece of Wood, with a handle..the streight side being set with Wyers like teeth. Compounds preen-cod n. now rare a pincushion; also in extended use (in quot. ?a1513 used of a woman's genitals). ΚΠ a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 246 Syne said (and swoir..) That he suld nocht twich hir prenecod. 1558 in J. Stuart Extracts Council Reg. Aberdeen (1844) I. 309 For the wrangous reiffing..fra hir of ane plyd, ane pettioitt [sic],..ane stomak, ane preyne cod, and xvj d. thairin. 1649 in W. Fraser Memorials Family Wemyss (1888) II. 231 My grit prinkod and broutherd box[i]s. 1790 F. Grose Provinc. Gloss. (ed. 2) Prin-cod, A pin-cushion. North. Figuratively, a short fat man or woman. 1822 J. Galt Provost v. 38 The Nabob..made [them] presents of new gowns and prin-cods. 1893 R. Ford Harp Perthshire 210 A preen-cod, aged fifty years, Aye danglin' at the side. 1928 J. G. Horne Lan'wart Loon 11 Had you been made a leevin' preen-cod, You'd socht a mowdie-hill to fa' on. † preen-cushion n. Obsolete rare = preen-cod n. ΚΠ 1888 A. G. Murdoch Sc. Readings 2nd Ser. 65 A sawdust preen-cushion. preen-head n. a pinhead; frequently as the type of something small, insignificant, or of little worth (cf. sense 1b). ΚΠ 1646 J. Hope Diary in Misc. Sc. Hist. Soc. (1958) 9 176 Full of small holles of the bignes of a small preen head. 1793 ‘T. Thrum’ Look before ye Loup 5 Will aw your wise heads convince ony man that has a grain of mither wit, that the country's a prin-head the better for takin the fo'k awa frae their necessary employments? 1897 E. W. Hamilton Outlaws of Marches xviii. 207 I canna mind ae single Armstrong..worth a prein-head. 1953 Banffshire Jrnl. 17 Nov. 4/4 Happy lads an' lasses, oot for the day an' (nae) carin' a preen-heid fat happent. † preen-point n. Obsolete a pinpoint; also as the type of something small, insignificant, or of little worth (cf. preen-head n.). ΚΠ 1785 Comical Tricks Leper the Taylor 4 Down she sits with all her weight on the prin-point. 1886 A. D. Willock Rosetty Ends (1887) vi. 42 No' carin' a preen-point for the sorrow they left ahint them. † preensworth n. Obsolete rare the value of a preen or pin; a very small amount. ΚΠ 1887 J. Service Life Dr. Duguid i. iii. 20 Lord, there's no a preensworth but Thou kens. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2007; most recently modified version published online March 2022). preenv.¹ Brit. /priːn/, U.S. /prin/, Scottish English /prin/ Forms: early Middle English preone (south-west midlands), Middle English preen, Middle English prendyd (past participle, transmission error), Middle English prene, Middle English pryne; Scottish pre-1700 prein, pre-1700 prene, pre-1700 prine, pre-1700 pryn, pre-1700 1700s–1800s prin, 1800s pren, 1800s– preen. Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: preen n. Etymology: < preen n. Compare Middle Dutch priemen to stab, pierce (Dutch priemen), Middle Low German prǖnen to pin together, to stitch together roughly (German regional (Low German) prünen, prienen), German pfriemen to bore with an awl, to pin (1544 or earlier), Icelandic prjóna to knit, Danish prene to pierce. Now rare (Scottish in later use). †1. transitive. To sew up; to stitch, embroider. Also intransitive. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > sewing or ornamenting textile fabric > sew or ornament textile fabric [verb (transitive)] > sew > sew together sewc725 stitch?c1225 preena1275 steek1502 to stitch up1590 baste1600 a1275 in C. Brown Eng. Lyrics 13th Cent. (1932) 46 Me nimit þe licam & prenit [v.rr. preoneð, iprened] in on clut. c1450 (?a1370) Wynnere & Wastoure (1990) l. 232 I gedir, I glene and he lattys goo sone, I pryke and I pryne and he the purse opynes. a1522 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid iii. vii. 26 Brusit clathis, and riche wedis, Figurit and prynnit al with goldin thredis. 1542 Acts & Decreets I. f. 140^v Ane pair of gluvis of claith wovin prynnit with gold. †2. transitive and intransitive. To stab; to pierce. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > condition of being open or not closed > making holes or becoming holed > make (an opening or hole) [verb (transitive)] > make an opening or hole in or into > bore, pierce, or perforate > with something sharp-pointed > transfix through-driveOE through-nimc1275 stickc1330 through-piercec1330 to stick througha1382 preenc1390 spitc1430 thirlc1450 broacha1470 prickc1475 to stick up1528 transfix1590 fix1638 bestick1667 impalea1678 spiculate1835 skewer1837 to strike through1893 c1390 in C. Brown Relig. Lyrics 14th Cent. (1924) 157 Loke al ȝor loue on him beo leyd, For vs on Rode was prikket & prenet. a1400 (?a1325) Medit. on Supper of our Lord (Harl.) (1875) 859 (MED) Þurgh hys herte he prened [v.r. preent] hym with mode. a1425 (c1395) Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) (Royal) (1850) 1 Kings xviii. 11 Saul helde a spere, and caste it, and gesside that he myȝte prene [L. configere] Dauid with the wal, that is, perse with the spere so that it schulde passe [v.r. preen] til to the wal. ?a1475 Ludus Coventriae (1922) 175 (MED) For now my fo is ded and prendyd as a padde. ?a1525 (?a1475) Play Sacrament l. 467 in N. Davis Non-Cycle Plays & Fragm. (1970) 72 With þis same dagger..In þe myddys of thys prynt I thynke for to prene [rhymes kene, bene, sene]..[stage direct.] Here shalle þe iiij Jewys pryk þer daggeris in iiij quarters. ?a1525 (?a1475) Play Sacrament l. 478 in N. Davis Non-Cycle Plays & Fragm. (1970) 73 Now am I bold with batayle hym to bleyke, Þe mydle part alle for to prene..In þe myddys yt shalbe sene! 3. transitive. To fasten or affix with a pin; to pin (literal and figurative). ΚΠ 1572 in J. Cranstoun Satirical Poems Reformation (1891) I. xxxiii. 22 My Coller, of trew Nichtbour lufe it was, Weill prenit on with Kyndnes and solas. c1600 (c1350) Alisaunder (Greaves) (1929) 420 Hur Prince in þe forme prese was prened to þe erth. 1624 in J. Robertson Select. Reg. Presbytery of Lanark (1839) 2 Ane discharg..heir prined into the book. 1647–8 in J. Stuart Misc. Spalding Club (1852) V. 108 The papers that is prined on the bristis of thes that stand on the scaffold. 1675 in W. Hunter Biggar & House of Fleming (1862) ix. 96 For a dosen of great prinies to prin ye mortcloath and horscloath. 1725 A. Ramsay Gentle Shepherd v. ii. 79 Prin up your Aprons baith, and come away. 1776 D. Herd Anc. & Mod. Sc. Songs (ed. 2) II. ii. 231 She took the dish-clout aff the bink, And prin'd it to her cockernonie. 1888 A. Conan Doyle Capt. Polestar 25 I canna say I preen my faith in sea-bogles and the like. 1918 V. Jacob More Songs of Angus 32 He'd gie them a' to get the preen That preened the flowers in till my hair. 1934 ‘Uncle Tom’ Mrs. Goudie's Tea Pairty 24 It was jist rale kind o' ye biath tae preen fleurs on the breest o' them whan ye was comin' to oor pairty. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2007; most recently modified version published online June 2022). preenv.² Brit. /priːn/, U.S. /prin/ Forms: Middle English prayne, Middle English prene, Middle English preyne, 1600s prain, 1600s– preen, 1700s prine, 1800s– preean (English regional (northern)); Scottish pre-1700 prein, pre-1700 1700s– preen, 1700s– prin. Origin: A variant or alteration of another lexical item. Etymon: prune v.¹ Etymology: Variant of prune v.¹, apparently partly (in early forms with -ei- or -ai- ) showing a phonetic development (see E. J. Dobson Eng. Pronunc. 1500–1700 (ed. 2, 1968) II. §272), and partly influenced in form by association with preen v.¹ (arising from the boring or pricking action of a bird's beak when it preens its plumage). Compare also preen v.³Although attested earlier, sense 1 is apparently a figurative use of sense 2. Compare prune v.¹ 1, 2. 1. a. transitive (reflexive). To devote effort to improving one's appearance (frequently with the implication of pride in and admiration of the result); to titivate oneself, make oneself smart. Also intransitive in same sense. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautification of the person > beautify the person [verb (reflexive)] preenc1395 prunec1395 prank1546 to set oneself out to the life1604 adonize1611 briska1625 tight1775 to make up1778 tighten1786 smarten1796 pretty1868 tart1938 pansy1946 sharpen1952 primp1959 c1395 G. Chaucer Merchant's Tale 2011 Damyan..kembeth hym; he preyneth [v.rr. prayneth, proyneth, prunyht, pruneth] hym and pyketh. c1549 Tamlane in W. E. Aytoun Ballads Scotl. (1858) I. 7 She's prink'd hersell, and preen'd hersell. a1586 W. Dunbar in W. A. Craigie Maitland Folio MS (1919) I. 110 I wald me prein [?1507 Rouen prunȝa] plesandlie in precious wedis. 1701 Descr. Cockernonie (single sheet) Those maids do prick and prine themselves, to make them trim and bony. ?1772 Young Coalman's Courtship to Creelwife's Daughter (ed. 3) ii. 4 A stinking pridfu' jade..ay, scraping and washing at herself, pricking and prining. 1790 D. Morison Poems 81 Ne'er price a weardless, wanton elf, That nought but pricks and prins herself. 1874 Littell's Living Age 9 May 357/2 She took comfort, and preened herself like a bird, and came again forth to the day in all her sweet bloom. 1883 Fortn. Rev. Sept. 344 Egyptian beauties..sleeked and preened themselves before their brightly burnished brazen mirrors. 1922 J. Joyce Ulysses ii. x. [Wandering Rocks] 230 Mr Kernan halted and preened himself before the sloping mirror of Peter Kennedy, hairdresser. 1987 K. Lette Girls' Night Out (1989) 96 The girls on their Hens' Night were creaming and preening and applying blusher, centre chest, to camouflage undernourished cleavages. 2001 House Mag. 29 Jan. 5/6 I preen myself all Wednesday morning ready for my question to the prime minister. b. transitive (reflexive). figurative. To congratulate or pride oneself on; to show self-satisfaction. Also occasionally intransitive in same sense. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > pride > be or become proud [verb (reflexive)] wlenchc1200 pridea1275 enhancec1380 empride1435 brave1581 prune1598 plume1643 value1648 pique1684 bepride1690 hump1835 tumefy1837 preen1880 to be all over oneself1910 1880 J. H. Shorthouse John Inglesant Pref. 8 They and their followers preen and plume themselves..on their aristocratic standpoint. 1907 G. B. Shaw John Bull's Other Island p. liv Not so pitiable as the virtuous indignation with which Judge Lynch..preened himself at its expense. 1926 W. Muir & E. Muir tr. Feuchtwanger Jew Süss i. 7 The Catholics were preening themselves on the probable extinction of the Protestant line in Swabia. 1948 O. Walker Kaffirs are Lively xi. 164 South Africa..sometimes preens itself on its lack of lynch-law. 1964 I. Wallace Man (1965) ii. 115 Poole gloried and preened at the compliment. 2005 National Rev. (Nexis) 29 Aug. The multiculturalism upon which the liberal elite so preens itself would not appear to the extremist to be an expression of generosity and broadmindedness. 2. a. intransitive. Of a bird: to tend its feathers with its beak, arranging, cleaning, and generally maintaining them. Also transitive (reflexive) in same sense. ΘΚΠ the world > animals > birds > actions or bird defined by > [verb (intransitive)] > preen prunec1390 preen?c1450 prink1878 ?c1450 Pistel of Swete Susan (Pierpont Morgan) 81 (MED) Þies papyniayes pykyn and prenen for prowde. 1486 Bk. St. Albans sig. avi Youre hawke proynith and not pikith, and she prenyth not bot whan she begynnyth at hir leggys, and fettheth moystour like oyle at hir taill. 1681 W. Robertson Phraseologia generalis (1693) 989 To pick or prain, as a bird doth herself. 1840 D. P. Blaine Encycl. Rural Sports §2618 Where they [sc. partridges] bask at noontide, and where they preen, scratch, and gravel. 1874 Appleton's Jrnl. 18 Apr. 511/2 A vulture..too gorged to join the filthy flock preening itself on the gaunt dead trunks that line the road. 1887 T. Hardy Woodlanders I. xi. 204 A comfortable family of sparrows perched in a line along the string-course of the chimney, and preening themselves in the rays of the sun. 1912 H. Church Poems 186 Not a bird will crisp or preen, Though it be the top of morn. 1983 T. Winton in Meanjin Dec. 508 They clucked and preened and ruffled and Kylie grew to like them. 2005 Belfast Tel. (Nexis) 22 July The problem is aggravated because when the birds preen themselves they ingest the oil. b. transitive. Of a bird: to tend (its feathers) by preening. ΘΚΠ the world > animals > birds > actions or bird defined by > [verb (transitive)] > preen fret1423 prune?1533 prink1573 plume1637 wheta1678 preen1692 1692 J. Ray Wisdom of God (ed. 2) i. 139 When..ruffled or discomposed, the Bird..can easily preen them. 1774 G. White Let. 28 Sept. in Nat. Hist. Selborne (1789) 183 The feathers of these birds must be well preened to resist so much wet. 1793 J. Leslie tr. Comte de Buffon Nat. Hist. Birds IX. 180 They also frequently preened their plumage with the bill. 1845 H. W. Herbert Warwick Woodlands 35 The drake reflects his purple neck to preen his ruffled wing. 1921 Washington Post 27 Nov. (Mag.) 8/2 The birds are beginning to preen their feathers and sing again. 1988 N. Lowndes Chekago iv. 143 A couple of crows preened their tail-feathers on the deal shuttering boards. Derivatives preened adj. ΚΠ c1598 King James VI & I Basilicon Doron (1944) I. iii. 174 Thay soulde not..be thaire painted preined facon serue for baitis to filthie leacherie. 1877 E. Pfeiffer Glân-Alarch i. 55 The sleek, preened head of Bronwen. 2002 Dominion (Wellington, N.Z.) (Nexis) 17 Apr. 10 A group of die-hard fans who took a fancy to his preened hair, plucked eyebrows and pouty mouth. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2007; most recently modified version published online March 2022). preenv.³ Brit. /priːn/, U.S. /prin/ Forms: 1800s preen, 1900s– preean. Origin: A variant or alteration of another lexical item. Etymon: prune v.² Etymology: Variant of prune v.², perhaps by association with preen v.² English regional (northern). Now rare. transitive. To prune or trim (a tree, plant, etc.). ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > farming > forestry or arboriculture > [verb (transitive)] > trees: prune or lop sneda800 shredc1000 crop?c1225 purgec1384 parea1398 shear1398 shridea1425 dodc1440 polla1449 twist1483 top1509 stow1513 lop1519 bough?1523 head?1523 poll-shred1530 prune1547 prime1565 twig1570 reform1574 disbranch1575 shroud1577 snathe1609 detruncate1623 amputate1638 abnodate1656 duba1661 to strip up1664 reprune1666 pollard1670 shrub1682 log1699 switch1811 limb1835 preen1847 to cut back1871 shrig1873 brash1950 summer prune1980 1847 J. O. Halliwell Dict. Archaic & Provinc. Words II Preen, to prime, or trim up trees. 1928 A. E. Pease Dict. Dial. N. Riding Yorks. 98/2 Preean, to prune. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2007; most recently modified version published online March 2022). < n.OEv.¹a1275v.²c1395v.³1847
随便看	stand to the hood stand to the main chance stand to the wall stand together stand treat stand trial stand true vermin stand under stand under arms stand under canvas stand under her canvas stand until stand unto stand up stand up and be counted stand up for stand up in stand up to stand up to be counted stand up to one's lick-logs stand up to one's licklogs stand up to the rack stand up with stand upon stand upon ceremony

preenn.

Compounds

preenv.1

preenv.2

Derivatives

preenv.3

preenv.¹

preenv.²

preenv.³