(v. t.) To carry or bring (something) forward, or before one;
hence, to bring for consideration, acceptance, judgment, etc.; to
offer; to present; to proffer; to address; -- said especially of a
request, prayer, petition, claim, charge, etc.
(v. t.) To go before, or be before, in estimation; to outrank;
to surpass.
(v. t.) To cause to go before; hence, to advance before others,
as to an office or dignity; to raise; to exalt; to promote; as, to
prefer an officer to the rank of general.
(v. t.) To set above or before something else in estimation,
favor, or liking; to regard or honor before another; to hold in greater
favor; to choose rather; -- often followed by to, before, or above.
