v (transitive) To be in the habit of choosing something rather than something else; to favor; to like better. (defdate|from 14th c.)
v (transitive) To present or submit (something) to an authority (now usually in "to prefer charges"). (defdate|from 16th c.)
v (obsolete|transitive) To put forward for acceptance; to introduce, recommend ((term|to)). (defdate|16th-19th c.)