Fa"vor*ite (?), n. [OF. favorit favored, F. favori, fem. favorite, p.p. of OF. favorir, cf. It. favorito, frm. favorita, fr. favorire to favor. See Favor.]
1.
A person or thing regarded with peculiar favor; one treated with partiality; one preferred above others; especially, one unduly loved, trusted, and enriched with favors by a person of high rank or authority.
Committing to a wicked favorite
All public cares.
Milton.
2. pl.
Short curls dangling over the temples; -- fashionable in the reign of Charles II.
[Obs.]
Farquhar.
3. Sporting
The competitor (as a horse in a race) that is judged most likely to win; the competitor standing highest in the betting.
© Webster 1913.
Fa"vor*ite, a.
Regarded with particular affection, esteem, or preference; as, a favorite walk; a favorite child.
"His
favorite argument."
Macaulay.
© Webster 1913.