What does the cryptic crossword clue "Proper, before start of party, to preen (5)" mean?

The definition is "to preen". The wordplay uses acrostic, charade. PRIM (synonym of "Proper,") + P (first letter of "party,") [first letter: "start"]; definition: "to preen" The answer is PRIMP.

Proper, before start of party, to preen (5)

Guardian Cryptic #28992 | 3 Down | 2023-02-13 flower

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