aggrandizement

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

aggrandizement
    n 1: the act of increasing the wealth or prestige or power or
         scope of something; "the aggrandizement of the king"; "his
         elevation to cardinal" [syn: {aggrandizement},
         {aggrandisement}, {elevation}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Aggrandizement \Ag*gran"dize*ment\ (?; 277), n. [Cf. F.
   agrandissement.]
   The act of aggrandizing, or the state of being aggrandized or
   exalted in power, rank, honor, or wealth; exaltation;
   enlargement; as, the emperor seeks only the aggrandizement of
   his own family.
   [1913 Webster]

   Syn: Augmentation; exaltation; enlargement; advancement;
        promotion; preferment.
        [1913 Webster]