Literary notes about preen (AI summary)
In literature, “preen” is employed with dual layers of meaning that enrich both natural imagery and character portrayal. It is used in literal contexts to depict birds or other creatures arranging their feathers meticulously, a vivid portrayal of self-grooming that underscores natural beauty and ritual; for instance, writers describe herons, swans, and other birds preening their plumage to evoke a sense of lively elegance [1, 2]. At the same time, the verb extends metaphorically to human behavior, suggesting actions of careful self-adornment or even self-satisfaction, as characters corral their appearance or subtly signal vanity [3, 4, 5]. Additionally, “Preen” also appears as a surname, lending an ironic twist when the same word denotes both identity and the act of grooming, which can underscore the peculiarities of a character or social commentary on manners and self-respect [6, 7, 8].
- Negatively, I have seen the heron preen itself very elaborately, without once raising a foot so as to touch the feathers.
— from Bird Life Glimpses by Edmund Selous - And on a very cold day, should you leave the kitchen window standing open, they will perch upon the sill and preen their ruffled feathers.
— from Pastoral Days; or, Memories of a New England Year by W. Hamilton (William Hamilton) Gibson - Why, they know when I praise them, and preen themselves.
— from The Golden Silence by A. M. (Alice Muriel) Williamson - The simple, direct vanity of the man—the wholesome vanity of a straightforward nature—awakened to preen its feathers before the idea of the mate.
— from Arizona Nights by Stewart Edward White - Gradually the sordid message dispelled lassitude, and his vivid mind began to preen itself, waking from its long sleep.
— from The Hypocrite by Guy Thorne - Miss Preen received a letter from Dover pretty early in the week, written by Ann.
— from Johnny Ludlow, Fifth Series by Wood, Henry, Mrs. - Miss Preen did not send the ten-pound note.
— from Johnny Ludlow, Fifth Series by Wood, Henry, Mrs. - Mr. Preen drove on in silence until they were opposite the Commandery gates in the lower part of Sidbury.
— from Johnny Ludlow, Sixth Series by Wood, Henry, Mrs.
