Question about English

Subject: Question about English
From: Wolfgang
Date: 03 Jul 03 - 04:35 AM

I'm once again at transcribing songs. One song contains a line I hear as:

I'll buy a favour for your hair

Can the word favour be used in that sense/sentence?

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: Question about English
From: Mr Happy
Date: 03 Jul 03 - 04:38 AM

wolf, it'd help to have some more of the song, so as to establish the context.

Subject: RE: Question about English
From: IanC
Date: 03 Jul 03 - 04:49 AM

Favour, in this context, means a small item of clothing worn by someone as a token of love or respect. A knight would wear a ladies glove during a tournament as a favour.

:-)

Subject: RE: Question about English
From: Jeanie
Date: 03 Jul 03 - 04:49 AM

Concise Oxford English Dictionary:
favour - thing given or worn as mark of favour; knot of ribbons, rosette, cockade, badge

So... yes, it can be used in that sense and sentence.

- jeanie

Subject: RE: Question about English
From: Gareth
Date: 03 Jul 03 - 04:50 AM

Wolfgang,
In the context a favour was a token, or mark of regard, it is quite correct, although a little dated.

Gareth

Subject: RE: Question about English
From: MartinRyan
Date: 03 Jul 03 - 04:52 AM

It can - though you rarely hear it now. The Concise Oxford gives:

a thing given or worn as a mark of favour or support e.g. a badge or knot of ribbons

Regards

Subject: RE: Question about English
From: Wolfgang
Date: 03 Jul 03 - 04:59 AM

Thanks to all. That finishes my transcription of

Rosaleen, sweet Rosaleen (you're the sweetest rose I've seen)

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: Question about English
From: GUEST,Majrtin Ryan
Date: 03 Jul 03 - 06:15 AM

I forgot to mention that the word is still used ( in some sports, anyway!) to refer to the badges etc. worn by team supporters.

Regards

Subject: RE: Question about English
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Jul 03 - 06:23 AM

It is also still used for the small present given to all the female guests at a wedding (usually sugared almonds or chocolates as weddings I have been to).

Subject: RE: Question about English
From: Schantieman
Date: 03 Jul 03 - 08:50 AM

er...wouldn't the knight have to have rather small hands to wear a lady's glove?




I'll get my coat.

Steve

Subject: RE: Question about English
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 03 Jul 03 - 08:51 AM

all depends on where he wore it!

Subject: RE: Question about English
From: IanC
Date: 03 Jul 03 - 08:52 AM

Schantieman

Usually wore it in his hat, I think.

;-)

Subject: RE: Question about English
From: Schantieman
Date: 03 Jul 03 - 10:08 AM

..with the green willow/yellow ribbon?