Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of 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. He spake, and to her hand preferred the bowl. --Pope. Presently prefer his suit to C[ae]sar. --Shak. 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 general. I would prefer him to a better place. --Shak. 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}.