Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PRE-FER'MENT, n. [It. preferimento.]

1. Advancement to a higher office, dignity or station. Change of manners and even of character often follows preferment. A profligate life should be considered a disqualification far preferment, no less than want of ability.
2. Superior place or office. All preferments should be given to competent men.
3. Preference. [Not used.] – Brown.