preferment

Meanings

1. Prior claim (on payment, or on purchasing something); the first rights to obtain a particular payment or product.
2. The fact of being pushed or advanced to a more favourable situation; furtherance, promotion (of a candidate, action, undertaking etc.).
3. Advancement to a higher position or office; promotion.
4. A position (especially in the Church of England) that provides profit or prestige.
5. The fact of preferring something; preference.

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

Etymology

From Middle English preferment, preferrement, prefferment; equivalent to prefer + -ment.