n. & v.
n. 1 a person with whom one enjoys mutual affection and regard (usu. exclusive of sexual or family bonds). 2 a sympathizer, helper, or patron (no friend to virtue; a friend of order). 3 a person who is not an enemy or who is on the same side (friend or foe?). 4 a a person already mentioned or under discussion (my friend at the next table then left the room). b a person known by sight. c used as a polite or ironic form of address. 5 (usu. in pl.) a regular contributor of money or other assistance to an institution. 6 (Friend) a member of the Society of Friends, a Quaker. 7 (in pl.) one's near relatives, those responsible for one. 8 a helpful thing or quality.
v.tr. archaic or poet. befriend, help. be (or keep) friends with be friendly with. friend at court a friend whose influence may be made use of. my honourable friend Brit. used in the House of Commons to refer to another member of one's own party. my learned friend used by a lawyer in court to refer to another lawyer. my noble friend Brit. used in the House of Lords to refer to another member of one's own party. friended adj. friendless adj.
[ OE freond f. Gmc ]