The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Promote \Pro*mote"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Promoted; p. pr. &
   vb. n. Promoting.] [L. promotus, p. p. of promovere to move
   forward, to promote; pro forward + movere to move. See
   Move.]
   [1913 Webster]
   1. To contribute to the growth, enlargement, or prosperity of
      (any process or thing that is in course); to forward; to
      further; to encourage; to advance; to excite; as, to
      promote learning; to promote disorder; to promote a
      business venture. "Born to promote all truth." --Milton.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To exalt in station, rank, or honor; to elevate; to raise;
      to prefer; to advance; as, to promote an officer.
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            I will promote thee unto very great honor. --Num.
                                                  xxii. 17.
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            Exalt her, and she shall promote thee. --Prov. iv.
                                                  18.
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   Syn: To forward; advance; further; patronize; help; exalt;
        prefer; elevate; dignify.
        [1913 Webster]