Crossword Genius

A request certain to gain preference (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pleasure

'preference' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'a request certain' is the wordplay.
'a request' becomes 'plea' (plea is a kind of request).
'certain' becomes 'sure' (synonyms).
'plea'+'sure'='PLEASURE'

'to gain' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for pleasure that I've seen before include "Happy satisfaction" , "Urgent entreaty begins gratification" , "entertainment" , "diversion" , "A very desirable feeling" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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