[f. prec. + -ISM. Cf. F. favoritisme.]
1. A disposition to show, or the practice of showing, favour or partiality to an individual or class, to the neglect of others having equal or superior claims; undue preference.
1763. Wilkes, Corr. (1805), I. 82. The declared … enemies of … favouritism.
1796. Burke, Corr. (1844), IV. 409. We conduct war upon the principles of favouritism, and that we feed the objects of our affections at the expense of our inwterests.
1814. D’Israeli, Quarrels Auth. (1867), 261. Among the prejudices of criticism, is one which hinders us from relishing a masterly performance, when it ridicules a favourite author; but to us, mere historians, truth will always prevail over literary favouritism.
1880. Adye, Native Armies of India, in 19th Cent., No. 38. 695. Young men were appointed by favouritism, or interest, or by personal predilection, more than from any proved capacity or talent, either natural or acquired.
2. The state or condition of being a favourite; favour. Also, of a race-horse: Relative position in public favour.
1808. Cobbett, Pol. Reg., XIV. 691. When corruption has found its way into the legislature, and faction and favouritism are the high roads to power or to honour, to seats in a cabinet or the command of armies, all knowledge of the true principles and ends of government will go to decay, and statesmen become subtle and expert only in those parts of knowledge by which they can come in for a share of the power and spoil of their country; and a resistance of all reformation will become a conspicuous part of their policy.
1823. Byron, Juan, X. v.
| We left our hero, Juan, in the bloom | |
| Of favouritism, but not yet in the blush. |
1853. G. Johnston, Nat. Hist. E. Bord., I. 220. Winter Wheat. Sown in autumn. A number of varieties are cultivated to suit the variety of soils and exposures; and as the productiveness of one sort declines, a newer starts into favouritism.
1880. W. Day, Racehorse in Training, xvi. 158. She was, if possible, worse than her opponent at three years old; and had she not been beaten for the One Thousand, would have had as good a right to favouritism for any race as Lady Elizabeth herself.
1893. Westm. Gaz., 8 June, 5/2. Her [a mare’s] favouritism went back to the 10 to 1 mark.
