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." "Presently prefer his suit to Caesar." "Three tongues prefer strange orisons on high."
2.To go before, or be before, in estimation; to outrank; to surpass. (Obs.) "Though maidenhood prefer bigamy."
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."
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." "Preferred an infamous peace before a most just war."
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