Pre·fer v. t. [imp. & p. p. Preferred p. pr. & vb. n. Preferring.]
 1. 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.
    He spake, and to her hand preferred the bowl.   --Pope.
    Presently prefer his suit to Cæsar.   --Shak.
    Three tongues prefer strange orisons on high.   --Byron.
 2. To go before, or be before, in estimation; to outrank; to surpass. [Obs.] “Though maidenhood prefer bigamy.”
 3. 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.
    I would prefer him to a better place.   --Shak.
 4. 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.
    If I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.   --Ps. cxxxvii. 6.
    Preferred an infamous peace before a most just war.   --Knolles.
 Preferred stock, stock which takes a dividend before other capital stock; -- called also preference stock and preferential stock.
 Syn: -- To choose; elect. See Choose.

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 preferred stock
      n : stock whose holders are guaranteed priority in the payment
          of dividends but whose holders have no voting rights
          [syn: preferred shares, preference shares]