Friend /(frĕnd)/

Friend

n.
  1. One who entertains for another such sentiments of esteem, respect, and affection that he seeks his society and welfare; a wellwisher; an intimate associate; sometimes, an attendant.
    Want gives to know the flatterer from the friend.
    A friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
    — Prov. xviii. 24.
  2. One not inimical or hostile; one not a foe or enemy; also, one of the same nation, party, kin, etc., whose friendly feelings may be assumed. The word is some times used as a term of friendly address.
    Friend, how camest thou in hither?
    — Matt. xxii. 12.
  3. One who looks propitiously on a cause, an institution, a project, and the like; a favorer; a promoter; as, a friend to commerce, to poetry, to an institution.
  4. One of a religious sect characterized by disuse of outward rites and an ordained ministry, by simplicity of dress and speech, and esp. by opposition to war and a desire to live at peace with all men. They are popularly called Quakers.
    America was first visited by Friends in 1656.
    — T. Chase.
  5. A paramour of either sex. [Obs.]

Phrases & Compounds
A friend at court
one disposed to act as a friend in a place of special opportunity or influence.
To be friends with
to have friendly relations with.
To make friends with
to become reconciled to or on friendly terms with.

Friend

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Friended; p. pr. & vb. n. Friending

  1. To act as the friend of; to favor; to countenance; to befriend. [Obs.]
    Fortune friends the bold.