(a) To elevate (sb.) in rank or position; advance (sb. to wealth, honor, etc.); (b) to promote or appoint (sb. to an ecclesiastical office or benefice); -- with on- or to- phrase; ~ into, elevate (sb.) to the rank of (an ecclesiastical dignitary); ppl. promoted, of a religious: beneficed; (c) to appoint or elect (sb. to be sth.); (d) to enhance the fortune of (sb.), help; -- also iron.; (e) to improve (someone's condition), advance (someone's cause, right, etc.), further (one's spiritual state); (f) to devote (one's youth to learning).