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prefer

Prefer Pre*fer", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Preferred; p. pr. & vb. n. Preferring.] [F. pr[ e]f[ e]rer, 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. [1913 Webster]

He spake, and to her hand preferred the bowl. --Pope. [1913 Webster]

Presently prefer his suit to C[ae]sar. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

Three tongues prefer strange orisons on high. --Byron. [1913 Webster]

2. To go before, or be before, in estimation; to outrank; to surpass. [Obs.] ``Though maidenhood prefer bigamy. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

I would prefer him to a better place. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

If I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy. --Ps. cxxxvii. 6. [1913 Webster]

Preferred an infamous peace before a most just war. --Knolles. [1913 Webster]

{Preferred stock}, stock which takes a dividend before other capital stock; -- called also {preference stock} and {preferential stock}. [1913 Webster]

Syn: To choose; elect. See Choose. [1913 Webster]