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tr.v. pre·ferred, pre·fer·ring, pre·fers 1. To choose or be in the habit of choosing as more desirable or as having more value: prefers coffee to tea. 2. Law a. To give priority or precedence to (a creditor). b. To present (a charge) against a defendant before a court: prefer an indictment. c. To present (a case) to a court as ready for consideration: prefer the case for trial. 3. Archaic To recommend for advancement or appointment; promote. [Middle English preferren, from Old French preferer, from Latin praeferre : prae-, pre- + ferre, to carry; see bher-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] pre·ferrer n. |
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