preen
Preen (noun) means a forked tool used by clothiers for dressing cloth.
Etymology
From Middle English pren, from Old English prēon, from Proto-Germanic *preunaz (compare Icelandic prjónn (“pin, knitting-needle”), Danish pryne (“needle, eel-spear”)), of uncertain origin, but perhaps from Proto-Indo-European *brewn- (“protrusion, tip, edge”) (compare Lithuanian briaunà (“edge”), Albanian brez (“belt, girdle”)). Cognate with German Pfriem. The verb is from Middle English prenen, from pren (“a preen”), akin to German pfriemen.
Rhymes for preen
See all rhymes for preen →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of preen?
"preen" (noun) means a forked tool used by clothiers for dressing cloth.
What are the different meanings of preen?
"preen" has 2 main meanings: 1. A forked tool used by clothiers for dressing cloth; 2. A bodkin; brooch.