Where does “preen” come from?

preen (Scots) comes from Middle English pren, from Old English prēon, from Proto-Germanic preunaz, from Proto-Indo-European brewn- — protrusion, tip, edge.

preen (Scots): metal pin; pine needle; to pin

Definitions

  1. metal pin; pine needle; to pin

Ancestry of “preen”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Middle Englishprena preen
2Old Englishprēonpin, brooch needle
3Proto-Germanicpreunazknitting needle; pin
4Proto-Indo-Europeanbrewn-protrusion, tip, edge
Every word from Proto-Indo-European brewn- →Every word from Proto-Germanic preunaz →Every word from Old English prēon →