Prefer

Prefer - (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

PREFER', v.t. [L. 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. Psa 137.

He that cometh after me, is preferred before me. John 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.]

pre-fur': Does not always have the general meaning "to choose before another." In Ps 137:6, it does have this sense and the two versions agree; in Es 2:9, the Revised Version (British and American) has "removed" where the King James Version has "preferred"; in Da 6:3, "distinguished" takes its place; in Joh 1:15,30, "become" is substituted for "preferred"; in 1:27, "preferred" drops out entirely; in Ro 12:10, the versions agree.