crony

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A close friend.

   Rip now resumed his old walks and habits; he soon found many of his former cronies, though all rather the worse for the wear and tear of time; and preferred making friends among the rising generation, with whom he soon grew into great favour.

2. 2
   noun

   An old woman; a crone.

   Marry not an old crony.

3. 3
   noun

   a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities

4. 4
   noun

   A trusted companion or partner in a criminal organization.

Etymology

Coined between 1655 and 1665 from Ancient Greek χρόνιος (khrónios, “perennial, long-lasting”); see also chrono- (“time”). Initially Cambridge University slang, in sense of “chum”, as “friend of long standing”, with illegal connotation later. Early spellings included chrony, as in 1665 diary by Samuel Pepys, supporting the Greek origin.