crony

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A close friend or companion, often one who shares in someone's activities.

   He spent the evening playing cards with his old cronies.

2. 2
   noun

   A friend given unfair favours by someone in power.

   The mayor handed every contract to his political cronies.

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.

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