To Thread - Forum Home

The Mudcat Café TM
https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=60893
13 messages

Question about English

03 Jul 03 - 04:35 AM (#975767)
Subject: Question about English
From: Wolfgang

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


03 Jul 03 - 04:38 AM (#975768)
Subject: RE: Question about English
From: Mr Happy

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


03 Jul 03 - 04:49 AM (#975776)
Subject: RE: Question about English
From: IanC

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.

:-)


03 Jul 03 - 04:49 AM (#975777)
Subject: RE: Question about English
From: Jeanie

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


03 Jul 03 - 04:50 AM (#975778)
Subject: RE: Question about English
From: Gareth

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

Gareth


03 Jul 03 - 04:52 AM (#975779)
Subject: RE: Question about English
From: MartinRyan

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


03 Jul 03 - 04:59 AM (#975783)
Subject: RE: Question about English
From: Wolfgang

Thanks to all. That finishes my transcription of

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

Wolfgang


03 Jul 03 - 06:15 AM (#975812)
Subject: RE: Question about English
From: GUEST,Majrtin Ryan

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


03 Jul 03 - 06:23 AM (#975818)
Subject: RE: Question about English
From: GUEST

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).


03 Jul 03 - 08:50 AM (#975871)
Subject: RE: Question about English
From: Schantieman

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




I'll get my coat.

Steve


03 Jul 03 - 08:51 AM (#975872)
Subject: RE: Question about English
From: GUEST,MMario

all depends on where he wore it!


03 Jul 03 - 08:52 AM (#975873)
Subject: RE: Question about English
From: IanC

Schantieman

Usually wore it in his hat, I think.

;-)


03 Jul 03 - 10:08 AM (#975925)
Subject: RE: Question about English
From: Schantieman

..with the green willow/yellow ribbon?