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.

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.

Fa"vor*ite, a. Regarded with particular affection, esteem, or preference; as, a favorite walk; a favorite child. "His favorite argument." Macaulay.

• Preferred.
       That is my favorite flavor of ice cream, I'd eat it daily if I could.
  
• Preferred one, one with special favor
       The teacher's favorite always went first.
  
• Expected or most probable to win.
       He's the favorite, he'll probably be elected.
  
• (mostly British) favourite