Entry 7 senses · 3 variants Webster, 1913 Preen /prēn/ · IPA /pɹiːn/ n. v. t. v. i. 01 n. A forked tool used by clothiers in dressing cloth. 1. A forked tool used by clothiers in dressing cloth. 02 v. t. To dress with, or as with, a preen; to trim or dress with the beak, as the feathers; -- said of birds. imp. & p. p. Preened; p. pr. & vb. n. Preening 1. To dress with, or as with, a preen; to trim or dress with the beak, as the feathers; -- said of birds. 2. To trim up, as trees.[Prov. Eng.] 3. To dress (oneself) carefully or stylishly; to primp. 4. To pride (oneself) on one's accomplishments; to congratulate (oneself). 03 v. i. To dress up neatly and smartly; to make oneself well-groomed and well-dressed. 1. To dress up neatly and smartly; to make oneself well-groomed and well-dressed. 2. To feel proud of one's achievement; to swell or gloat.