Pre*fer" (?), v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Preferred (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Preferring.] [F. préférer, L.
praeferre; prae before + ferre to bear or carry.
See 1st Bear.] 1. To carry or bring
(something) forward, or before one; hence, to bring for consideration,
acceptance, judgment, etc.; to offer; to present; to proffer; to
address; -- said especially of a request, prayer, petition, claim,
charge, etc.
He spake, and to her hand preferred the
bowl.
Pope.
Presently prefer his suit to
Cæsar.
Shak.
Three tongues prefer strange orisons on
high.
Byron.
2. To go before, or be before, in estimation;
to outrank; to surpass. [Obs.] "Though maidenhood prefer
bigamy." Chaucer.
3. To cause to go before; hence, to advance
before others, as to an office or dignity; to raise; to exalt; to
promote; as, to prefer an officer to the rank of
general.
I would prefer him to a better
place.
Shak.
4. To set above or before something else in
estimation, favor, or liking; to regard or honor before another; to
hold in greater favor; to choose rather; -- often followed by
to, before, or above.
If I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief
joy.
Ps. cxxxvii. 6.
Preferred an infamous peace before a most just
war.
Knolles.
Preferred stock, stock which takes a dividend
before other capital stock; -- called also preference stock and
preferential stock.
Syn. -- To choose; elect. See Choose.
