favor

favor [fā′vər]

n.

[ME favour < OFr < L favor < favere, to favor < IE base * ghow-, to perceive > OE ( ofer) gumian, to neglect, Czech hověti, to take precautions (with), spare]

1. friendly or kind regard; good will; approval; liking

2. unfair partiality; favoritism

3. a kind, obliging, friendly, or generous act [to do someone a favor]

4. [pl.] sexual privileges granted by a woman

5.

a) a small gift, souvenir, or token

b) Archaic a token of love, as to a knight from a female admirer

6. Archaic a business letter or note [your favor of the 15th June]

7. Archaic

a) appearance or look

b) face or countenance

8. Obs. attractiveness; charm

vt.

1. to regard with favor; approve or like

2. to be indulgent or too indulgent toward; be partial to; prefer unfairly

3. to be for; support; advocate; endorse

4. to make easier; help; assist [rain favored his escape]

5. to do a kindness for

6. to look like; resemble in facial features [to favor one's mother]

7. to use gently; spare [to favor an injured leg]

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find favor

to be regarded with favor; be pleasing to

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in favor

favored; liked

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in favor of

1. approving; supporting; endorsing

2. to the advantage of

3. payable to, as a check, etc.

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in someone's favor

to someone's advantage or credit

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out of favor

no longer popular or a favorite; not liked

favorer

n.