Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
FAVOR
I. noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin, from favēre to be favorable; perhaps akin to Old High German gouma attention, Old Church Slavic gověti to revere
Date: 14th century
1. a. friendly regard shown toward another especially by a superior, approving consideration or attention ; approbation , partiality , leniency , permission , popularity ,
2. archaic appearance , b. face , a facial feature,
3. gracious kindness, aid , assistance , effort in one's behalf or interest ; attention ,
4. a token of love (as a ribbon) usually worn conspicuously, a small gift or decorative item given out at a party, badge ,
5. a special privilege or right granted or conceded, sexual privileges, letter , behalf , interest ,
II. transitive verb (favored; favoring)
Date: 14th century
1. to regard or treat with favor, b. to do a kindness for ; oblige , endow , to treat gently or carefully , to show partiality toward ; prefer ,
3. to give support or confirmation to ; sustain , to afford advantages for success to ; facilitate , to bear a resemblance to , favorer noun