Meaning

(now historical) Prior claim (on payment, or on purchasing something); the first rights to obtain a particular payment or product..

Definitions by Sense

1. (now historical) Prior claim (on payment, or on purchasing something); the first rights to obtain a particular payment or product.
2. (obsolete) The fact of being pushed or advanced to a more favourable situation; furtherance, promotion (of a candidate, action, undertaking etc.).
3. Advancement to a higher position or office; promotion.
4. A position (especially in the Church of England) that provides profit or prestige.
5. (now rare) The fact of preferring something; preference.
6. A mixture of flour, water and yeast that is allowed to ferment prior to another baking process

Example Sentences

But consider—you need not be afraid of delegating power to me. I am no young lady on her preferment. Married women, you know, may be safely authorised.

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

One hall called Civil Law Hall or School, flouriſhed about this time (though in its buildings decayed) by the care of the learned and judicious Dr. Will. Warham Principal or Moderator thereof; which he leaving this year (having before had ſeveral Deputies therein) becauſe of his preferment to the ſee of London, became void for ſome time. The year following the ſaid Warham was tranſlated to Canterbury […]

Word Forms

• preferments
• perferment

Synonyms for preferment

Related Words

When Should You Use Preferment?

Use preferment when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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