preen
[verb]
Synonyms:
- clean, plume
- smarten, dress up, spruce up, titivate
- preen oneself on: pride oneself, congratulate oneself

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

preen /priːn/ verb [intransitive and transitive]
[Date: 1400-1500; Origin: Probably from Old French proignier; ⇒ prune¹]

1. if a bird preens or preens itself, it cleans itself and makes its feathers smooth using its beak

2. to spend time making yourself look tidier and more attractive
preen yourself
a girl preening herself in the mirror

3. to look proud and feel pleased because of something you have done
preen yourself
He enjoyed the applause, preening himself like a pop star.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲