Favoured (9)
'favoured' is the definition.
('prefer' can be a synonym of 'favour')
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for preferred that I've seen before include "choice" , "Chose before others" , "singled out" , "Was partial to" , "Liked better" .)
'favoured' is the definition.
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for blessed that I've seen before include "in heaven" , "darned" , "Consecrated" , "Endowed" , "Highly favoured or fortunate" .)