n. 1. The act of choosing, or the state of being chosen; preference. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Natural preferment of the one . . . before the other. Sir T. Browne. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The act of preferring, or advancing in dignity or office; the state of being advanced; promotion. [ 1913 Webster ]

Neither royal blandishments nor promises of valuable preferment had been spared. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A position or office of honor or profit; as, the preferments of the church. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The act of referring; reference. Laud. [ 1913 Webster ]