noun
preen
Preen (noun) means a forked tool used by clothworkers to finish and smooth cloth.
noun
1
A forked tool used by clothworkers to finish and smooth cloth.
2
A decorative pin, such as a large hairpin or brooch.
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Etymology
This word came into English via Middle English pren, which developed from Old English prēon, itself from Proto-Germanic *preunaz (compare Icelandic prjónn (“pin, knitting-needle”), Danish pryne (“needle, eel-spear”)). Its origin beyond that is uncertain, though it may go back to Proto-Indo-European *brewn- (“protrusion, tip, edge”) (compare Lithuanian briaunà (“edge”), Albanian brez (“belt, girdle”)). It is cognate with German Pfriem. The verb form comes from Middle English prenen, from pren (“a preen”), related 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 clothworkers to finish and smooth cloth.
What are the different meanings of preen?
"preen" has 2 main meanings: 1. A forked tool used by clothworkers to finish and smooth cloth; 2. A decorative pin, such as a large hairpin or brooch.
