Preen (?), n. [AS. preon a clasp, bodkin; akin to D. priem punch, bodkin, awl, G. pfriem, Icel. prj&omac;nn a knitting needle, pin, Dan. preen a bodkin, punch.]
A forked tool used by clothiers in dressing cloth.
© Webster 1913.
Preen, 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.
2.
To trim up, as trees.
[Prov. Eng.]
Halliwell.
© Webster 1913.