Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Favorite

Favorite , noun

[Old French favorit favored, French favori, fem. favorite, past participle of Old French favorir, compare Italian favorito, frm. favorita, from 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.
Short curls dangling over the temples; -- fashionable in the reign of Charles II. [Obsolete] — 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.

Favorite , adjective

Regarded with particular affection, esteem, or preference; as, a favorite walk; a favorite child.
His favorite argument. — Macaulay