■ noun
1》 a person with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically one exclusive of sexual or family relations.
↘used in polite address to an acquaintance or stranger.
2》 a familiar or helpful thing.
3》 a person who supports a particular cause or organization: the Friends of the Welsh National Opera.
4》 (in battle) an ally.
5》 ( Friend ) a member of the Religious Society of Friends; a Quaker.
■ verb archaic be~.
Phrases
be (or make ) ~s with be (or become) on ~ly terms with.
a ~ at court a person in a position to use their influence on one's behalf.
Derivatives
~less adjective
Origin
OE frēond , of Gmc origin; related to free .