I. ˈpriv-lij, ˈpri-və- noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin privilegium law for or against a private person, from privus private + leg-, lex law
Date: 12th century
: a right or immunity granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage, or favor : prerogative ; especially : such a right or immunity attached specifically to a position or an office
II. transitive verb
( -leged ; -leg·ing )
Date: 14th century
1. : to grant a privilege to
2. : to accord a higher value or superior position to
privilege one mode of discourse over another