A female person who is favored or preferred above others, or a woman who gives favors.
From Middle English 'favour' (from Old French 'faveur', from Latin 'favor') plus the feminine suffix '-ess'. The word evolved from the concept of being shown preference or special kindness.
This word is rarely used today, but it shows how English speakers once added '-ess' to almost any noun to create a female version—we see this pattern in 'actress' and 'duchess.' Language reflects how societies viewed gender roles; as modern English evolved, many '-ess' words became outdated.
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