n. [ AS. preón a clasp, bodkin; akin to D. priem punch, bodkin, awl, G. pfriem, Icel. prjōnn a knitting needle, pin, Dan. preen a bodkin, punch. ] A forked tool used by clothiers in dressing cloth. [ 1913 Webster ]

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 ]

v. i. To dress up neatly and smartly; to make oneself well-groomed and well-dressed. [ PJC ]

2. To feel proud of one's achievement; to swell or gloat. [ PJC ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Preëngaged p. pr. & vb. n. Preëngaging ] To engage by previous contract; to bind or attach previously; to preoccupy. [ 1913 Webster ]

But he was preëngaged by former ties. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Prior engagement, obligation, or attachment, as by contract, promise, or affection. [ 1913 Webster ]

My preëngagements to other themes were not unknown to those for whom I was to write. Boyle. [ 1913 Webster ]