WordNet Dictionary- [n] the act of preferring; "the preferment went to the younger candidate"
- [n] the act of making accusations; "preferment of charges"
Webster's 1913 Dictionary\Pre*fer"ment\, n.
1. The act of choosing, or the state of being chosen;
preference. [R.]
Natural preferment of the one . . . before the
other. --Sir T.
Browne.
2. The act of preferring, or advancing in dignity or office;
the state of being advanced; promotion.
Neither royal blandishments nor promises of valuable
preferment had been spared. --Macaulay.
3. A position or office of honor or profit; as, the
preferments of the church.