preferment

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the act of preferring

   The preferment went to the younger candidate.

2. 2
   noun

   the act of making accusations

   Preferment of charges.

3. 3
   noun

   The fact of being pushed or advanced to a more favourable situation; furtherance, promotion (of a candidate, action, undertaking etc.).

   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.

4. 4
   noun

   A position (especially in the Church of England) that provides profit or prestige.

   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 […].

From Middle English preferment, preferrement, prefferment; equivalent to prefer + -ment.

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