preen

chiefly Scotland

1. transitive verb

2. :  pin

1. transitive verb

2. 1 of a bird :  to groom with the bill especially by rearranging the barbs and barbules of the feathers and by distributing oil from the uropygial gland

3. 2 :  to dress or smooth (oneself) up :  primp

4. 3 :  to pride or congratulate (oneself) on an achievement

5. intransitive verb

6. 1 :  to make oneself sleek

7. 2 :  to behave or speak with obvious pride or self-satisfaction

1. 1 :  to smooth and clean with the bill The sparrow preened its feathers.

2. 2 :  to make a person's own appearance neat and tidy He preened himself in front of the mirror.