Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Prefer
Pre-fer′
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Preferred
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Preferring
.] 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. Shakespeare
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 generalI would
prefer
him to a better place. Shakespeare
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
. Webster 1828 Edition
Prefer
PREFER'
,Verb.
T.
1.
Literally, to bear or carry in advance, in the mind, affections or choice; hence, to regard more than another; to honor or esteem above another.It is sometimes followed by above, before, or to.
If I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy. Ps.137.
He that cometh after me, is preferred before me. John 1.
2.
To advance, as to an office or dignity; to raise; to exalt; as, to prefer one to a bishopric; to prefer an officer to the rank of general.3.
To offer; to present; to exhibit; usually with solemnity, or to a public body. It is our privilege to enjoy the right of preferring petitions to rulers for redress of wrongs. My vows and prayers to thee preferred.
Prefer a bill against all kings and parliaments since the conquest.
4.
To offer or present ceremoniously, or in ordinary familiar language. He spake, and to her hand preferr'd the bowl.
[This is allowable, at least in poetry, though not usual.]