\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}.