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. 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.