Primps

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To take extra care with one's appearance, adjusting clothing or hair to look neat or attractive
2. To spend time arranging or improving one's looks, often by smoothing or fixing attire or hair
3. To make small adjustments to appearance or clothing in order to look more presentable or appealing

Etymology: "Primps" is the third-person singular form of "primp," a verb meaning to fuss over one's appearance, usually by smoothing hair or straightening clothes. The verb itself is a variant of "prim," the adjective for someone who is precise, neat, and rather formal, and it took shape in the 16th century. The shift from the adjective to the verb is a simple one: someone who keeps themselves prim in dress and manner is the person who keeps adjusting their collar and hair to stay that way.

Synonyms: groom, preen, tidy