D defs.my
Entry 2 senses Webster, 1913

Preference

/prĕf'-ẽr-əns/ · Pref·er·ence · IPA /ˈpɹɛf(ə)ɹ(ə)ns/
01 n. The act of Preferring, or the state of being preferred; the setting of one thing before another; precedence; higher estimation; predilectio…
  1. 1.
    The act of Preferring, or the state of being preferred; the setting of one thing before another; precedence; higher estimation; predilection; choice; also, the power or opportunity of choosing; as, to give him his preference.
    “Leave the critics on either side to contend about the preference due to this or that sort of poetry.” Dryden.
    “Knowledge of things alone gives a value to our reasonings, and preference of one man's knowledge over another's.” Locke.
  2. 2.
    That which is preferred; the object of choice or superior favor; as, which is your preference?