I. ˈfā-vər noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin, from favēre to be favorable; perhaps akin to Old High German gouma attention, Old Church Slavic gověti to revere
Date: 14th century
1.
a.
(1) : friendly regard shown toward another especially by a superior
(2) : approving consideration or attention : approbation
b. : partiality
c. archaic : leniency
d. archaic : permission
e. : popularity
2. archaic
a. : appearance
b.
(1) : face
(2) : a facial feature
3.
a. : gracious kindness ; also : an act of such kindness
did you a favor
b. archaic : aid , assistance
c. plural : effort in one's behalf or interest : attention
4.
a. : a token of love (as a ribbon) usually worn conspicuously
b. : a small gift or decorative item given out at a party
c. : badge
5.
a. : a special privilege or right granted or conceded
b. : sexual privileges — usually used in plural
6. archaic : letter
7. : behalf , interest
•
- in favor of
- in one's favor
- out of favor
II. transitive verb
( fa·vored ; fa·vor·ing ˈfā-v(ə-)riŋ)
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : to regard or treat with favor
b.
(1) : to do a kindness for : oblige
(2) : endow
c. : to treat gently or carefully
favor ed her injured leg
2. : to show partiality toward : prefer
3.
a. : to give support or confirmation to : sustain
b. : to afford advantages for success to : facilitate
good weather favor ed the outing
4. : to bear a resemblance to
he favor s his father
• fa·vor·er ˈfā-vər-ər noun