01 v. t. To carry or bring (something) forward, or before one; hence, to bring for consideration, acceptance, judgment, etc.; to offer; to present; …
imp. & p. p.
Preferred; p. pr. & vb. n.
Preferring
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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.
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2.
To go before, or be before, in estimation; to outrank; to surpass.[Obs.]
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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.
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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.
Phrases & compounds
Preferred stock —
stock which takes a dividend before other capital stock; -- called also preference stock and preferential stock.