GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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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.
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   He spake, and to her hand preferred the bowl.
   Pope.
   
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   Presently prefer his suit to Cæsar.
   Shak.
   
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   Three tongues prefer strange orisons on high.
   Byron.
   
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   To go before, or be before, in estimation; to outrank; to surpass. [Obs.] “Though maidenhood prefer bigamy.”  
   Chaucer.
   
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   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.
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   I would prefer him to a better place.
   Shak.
   
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   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.
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   If I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.
   Ps. cxxxvii. 6.
   
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   Preferred an infamous peace before a most just war.
   Knolles.
   
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   Preferred stock, stock which takes a dividend before other capital stock; -- called also preference stock and preferential stock.
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   Syn. -- To choose; elect. See Choose.
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