n.
Pronunciation: ' f ā -v( ə -)r ə t, ' f ā -v ə rt, chiefly dial ' f ā -v ə - ˌ r ī t
Function: noun
Etymology: Italian favorito, past participle of favorire to favor, from favore favor, from Latin favor
Date: 1583
1 : one that is treated or regarded with special favor or liking especially : a person who is specially loved, trusted, or provided with favors by someone of high rank or authority
2 : a competitor judged most likely to win