crony

Meaning

1. (informal) A close friend.
2. (informal) A trusted companion or partner in a criminal organization.

Synonyms

buddy

chum

friend

comrade

pal

sidekick

brother

👨‍👦

companion

partner

associate

close friend

confidant

old friend

mate

🧉

Friend

intimate 1

puchito

marra

yaar

cobber

consort

fellow

gossip

helpmate

helpmeet

henchman

intimate

marrow

shill

valentine

well-wisher

yokefellow

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈkɹoʊni/

Etymology

Coined between 1655 and 1665 from Ancient Greek χρόνιος (khrónios, “perennial, long-lasting”) (English chrono- (“time”), initially as 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.