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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

FAVOUR, n., v. Sc. forms: fa(a)ver (I.Sc., Abd.), fa(u)vo(u)r, fawor, fawvo(u)r (ne.Sc.).

Hence fawvourable (Abd. 1875 G. Macdonald Malcolm III. viii.). Cf. Faur. [′fɑ:vər I. and ne.Sc.]

Sc. usages:

I. n. 1. Appearance, looks. Arch. or dial. in Eng.Abd. 1768 A. Ross Helenore 11:
The lasses too, for they were ilka ane, Wi' Lindy's favour and his beauty ta'en.Kcb. 1895 Crockett Moss-Hags xxxv.:
She was a comely maid — for one that is black of favour.

†2. In pl.: dainties, tit-bits.Sh. 1899 J. Spence Folk-Lore 148:
Setting out, bearing two kits of faavers (dainty meats) for the patient.

3. Phrs.: (a) for ony favour, for any sake, for goodness' sake (Gen. exc.I.Sc.): (b) in favours of, in favour of (Abd.¹⁶, Fif.¹⁰ 1945; m.Lth.¹ 1951).(a) Edb. 1881 J. Smith Habbie & Madge 21:
For ony favour, tak up the book.Abd. 1915 H. Beaton Benachie 74:
For ony faaver dinna tell Mary Meerison, or she will be sclavin't throu' a' the quentry-side.Gsw. 1934 D. Allan Hunger March iii. ix.:
For ony favour . . . don't you be starting asking any questions.(b) Bnff. 1711 W. Cramond Annals Bnff. (1893) II. 180:
The pluralite of those who had clearly right to vot carried it in favours of the said Mr William Simsone.Sc. 1750 W. Macfarlane Geneal. Coll. I. 4:
A Precept of Seasine granted by Duke Murdake . . . in Favours of Archibald Bethune of Balfour.Sc. 1799 H. Mitchell Scotticisms 37:
He wrote a letter in my favours.Abd. 1839 Buchan Clown 43:
I ken he made a will in your favours and carried it very muckle in his pouch.Sc. 1869 A. Macdonald Love, Law etc. iv.:
A think Rory's inclined tae be in your favours.

II. v. To resemble. Gen.Sc. Also in colloq. and dial. Eng.Sc. 1894 “L. Keith” Lisbeth i.:
You've got your grandmother's name . . . but you don't favour her.Kcb. 1894 Crockett Raiders xxxii.:
Ye favour him but little aboot the moo.