preferment

noun

1. (countable, historical, uncountable)Prior claim (on payment, or on purchasing something); the first rights to obtain a particular payment or product.
2. (countable, obsolete, uncountable)The fact of being pushed or advanced to a more favourable situation; furtherance, promotion (of a candidate, action, undertaking etc.).

   “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.”

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

3. (countable, uncountable)Advancement to a higher position or office; promotion.
4. (countable, uncountable)A position (especially in the Church of England) that provides profit or prestige.

   “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 […]”

5. (archaic, countable, uncountable)The fact of preferring something; preference.
6. A mixture of flour, water and yeast that is allowed to ferment prior to another baking process