Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • verb Simple past tense and past participle of preen.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • I was worried because the Democrats are horribly inept and factional - they have a proven inability to get things done; from the outset, rather than focusing on governing effectively and with dignity, they strutted and preened like unattractive peacocks.

    Integrity 2010

  • I was worried because the Democrats are horribly inept and factional - they have a proven inability to get things done; from the outset, rather than focusing on governing effectively and with dignity, they strutted and preened like unattractive peacocks.

    Geopolitics 2010

  • He strutted and preened and made the girls laugh while I drank beer at the bar and watched the swirling dancers, careful not to talk to or touch any of the girls.

    Reynolds and Me Barry Basden 2012

  • I was worried because the Democrats are horribly inept and factional - they have a proven inability to get things done; from the outset, rather than focusing on governing effectively and with dignity, they strutted and preened like unattractive peacocks.

    Politics 2010

  • Smoothed a hand over her apron as if she preened in her best silk gown.

    Earl of Durkness Alix Rickloff 2011

  • They are plucked, preened and pouting – and wouldn't raise a carefully groomed eyebrow at the notion of spending their pay cheque on a Comme des Garçons blazer.

    Why grooming is the fashionable way to make a real man of you 2011

  • Smoothed a hand over her apron as if she preened in her best silk gown.

    Earl of Durkness Alix Rickloff 2011

  • It merely would have ensured that the real deal-making took place somewhere else off camera, while everyone on camera feigned politeness and common cause and preened for the audience.

    Matthew Yglesias » Franken Hits Obama Over CSPAN Promise 2010

  • Freshly preened, perhaps, but not very intelligent.

    Matthew Yglesias » David Petraeus, Jew-Hater 2010

  • The moon over Miami was crescent, a warm breeze ruffled multi-lighted coconut palm fronds, dogs with hats yapped under the tables and around splashing fountains, long-legged Latinas and buff fellas, tourists and druggies and varied genders preened in an endless paseo.

    Lea Lane: South Beach: Then and Now Lea Lane 2011

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