\Pre*fer"ment\, n. 1. The act of choosing, or the state of being chosen; preference. [R.] Natural preferment of the one . . . before the other. --Sir T. Browne. 2. The act of preferring, or advancing in dignity or office; the state of being advanced; promotion. Neither royal blandishments nor promises of valuable preferment had been spared. --Macaulay. 3. A position or office of honor or profit; as, the preferments of the church.