GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found one definition

1.       
   Prefer , 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.]
   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 Cæsar.
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   Three tongues prefer strange orisons on high.
   Byron.
   
   1913 Webster
   To go before, or be before, in estimation; to outrank; to surpass. [Obs.] “Though maidenhood prefer bigamy.” 
   Chaucer.
   
   1913 Webster
   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
   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