prefer

PREFER', verb transitive [Latin proefero; proe, before, and fero, to bear or carry.]1. Literally, to bear or carry in advance, in the mind, affections or choice; hence, to regard more than another; to honor or esteem above another.It is sometimes followed by above, before, or to.If I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy. Psalms 137:6.He that cometh after me, is preferred before me. John 1:1.2. To advance, as to an office or dignity; to raise; to exalt; as, to prefer one to a bishopric; to prefer an officer to the rank of general.3. To offer; to present; to exhibit; usually with solemnity, or to a public body. It is our privilege to enjoy the right of preferring petitions to rulers for redress of wrongs.My vows and prayers to thee preferred.PREFER a bill against all kings and parliaments since the conquest.4. To offer or present ceremoniously, or in ordinary familiar language.He spake, and to her hand preferr'd the bowl.[This is allowable, at least in poetry, though not usual.]