preferment

plural preferments · alternative perferment

1. countablehistoricaluncountablePrior claim (on payment, or on purchasing something); the first rights to obtain a particular payment or product.First known use 15th c.
2. countableobsoleteuncountableThe fact of being pushed or advanced to a more favourable situation; furtherance, promotion (of a candidate, action, undertaking etc.).First known use 15th–17th c.

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

   1603, Michel de Montaigne, chapter 12, in John Florio, transl., The Essayes […], book II, London: […] Val[entine] Simmes for Edward Blount […], →OCLC

   1 more example

   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.

   1815, Jane Austen, Emma, volume III, chapter 6

3. countableuncountableAdvancement to a higher position or office; promotion.First known use 15th c.
4. countableuncountableA position (especially in the Church of England) that provides profit or prestige.First known use 16th c.

   1 more example

   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 […]

   1792, Anthony à Wood, The History and Antiquities of the University of Oxford: In Two Books, volume 1, Oxford: John Gutch, →OCLC, page 661

5. archaiccountableuncountableThe fact of preferring something; preference.First known use 16th c.

plural preferments

1. A mixture of flour, water and yeast that is allowed to ferment prior to another baking process.