01 n. One who entertains for another such sentiments of esteem, respect, and affection that he seeks his society and welfare; a wellwisher; an in…
-
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.” — Dryden.“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.