n. The quality or state of being preferable; preferableness. J. S. Mill. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. [ Cf. F. préférable. ] Worthy to be preferred or chosen before something else; more desirable;
n. The quality or state of being preferable. [ 1913 Webster ]
adv. In preference; by choice. [ 1913 Webster ]
To choose Plautus preferably to Terence. Dennis. [ 1913 Webster ]