SG Heritage Dictionary

Preen [Noun] Webster's Dictionary 1828

A forked instrument used by clothiers in dressing cloth.

Preen [Verb transitive] Webster's Dictionary 1828

To clean, compose and dress the feathers, as fowls, to enable them to glide more easily through the air or water. For this purpose they are furnished with two glands on their rump, which secrete an oily substance into a bag, from which they draw it with the bill and spread it over their feathers.

Preen [Noun] Webster's Dictionary 1913

1. A forked tool used by clothiers in dressing cloth.

2. To dress with, or as with, a preen; to trim or dress with the beak, as the feathers; -- said of birds.

3. To trim up, as trees.

Preened [Imperfect tense and past participle] Webster's Dictionary 1913

of Preen

Preengage [Verb transitive] Webster's Dictionary 1913

To engage by previous contract; to bind or attach previously; to preoccupy.

Preengaged [Imperfect tense and past participle] Webster's Dictionary 1913

of Preengage

Preengagement [Noun] Webster's Dictionary 1913

Prior engagement, obligation, or attachment, as by contract, promise, or affection.

Preengaging [Present participle and verbal noun] Webster's Dictionary 1913

of Preengage

Preening [Participle present tense] Webster's Dictionary 1828

Cleaning and composing the feathers, as fowls.

Preening [Present participle and verbal noun] Webster's Dictionary 1913

of Preen