preferment

English

Etymology

From prefer +‎ -ment.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /pɹɪˈfəːmənt/

Noun

preferment (plural preferments)

1. (now historical) Prior claim (on payment, or on purchasing something); the first rights to obtain a particular payment or product. [from 15th c.]
2. (obsolete) The fact of being pushed or advanced to a more favourable situation; furtherance, promotion (of a candidate, action, undertaking etc.). [15th-17th c.]
   • 1603, John Florio, translating Michel de Montaigne, Essays, II.12:

     A mind warranted from prejudice, hath a marvellous preferment [transl. avancement] to tranquility.

3. Advancement to a higher position or office; promotion. [from 15th c.]
4. A position (especially in the Church of England) that provides profit or prestige. [from 16th c.]
5. (now rare) The fact of preferring something; preference. [from 16th c.]