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
- metal pin; pine needle; to pin
Ancestry of “preen”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|
| 1 | Middle English | pren | a preen |
| 2 | Old English | prēon | pin, brooch needle |
| 3 | Proto-Germanic | preunaz | knitting needle; pin |
| 4 | Proto-Indo-European | brewn- | protrusion, tip, edge |