Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PRE-FER', v.t. [L. præfero; præ, before, and fero, to bear or carry; Fr. preferer; It. preferire; Sp. preferir.]

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. – Ps. cxxxvii. He that cometh after me is preferred before me. – John i.
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. – Sandys. Prefer a bill against all kings and parliaments since the conquest. – Collier.
4. To offer or present ceremoniously, or in ordinary familiar language. He spake, and to her hand preferr'd the bowl. – Pope. [This is allowable, at least in poetry, though not usual.]