preen
preen
- v clean with one's bill
The birds preened - v pride or congratulate (oneself) for an achievement
- v dress or groom with elaborate care
- She fidgeted with flowers, prinked her dress more than once, and lurched across the screen to preen the Duke's hair.
- He's utterly unconflicted about his job; he likes being watched but he doesn't preen, doesn't beg or mug for our attention.
- Bolten was happy to let others preen in meetings while he waited to make a killer point at the end.