Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - friend

 I. noun  Etymology: Middle English frend, from Old English freond; akin to Old High German friunt ~, Old English freon to love, freo free  Date: before 12th century  1.  a. one attached to another by affection or esteem  b. acquaintance  2.  a. one that is not hostile  b. one that is of the same nation, party, or group  3. one that favors or promotes something (as a charity)  4. a favored companion  5. capitalized a member of a Christian sect that stresses Inner Light, rejects sacraments and an ordained ministry, and opposes war — called also Quaker  • ~less adjective  • ~lessness noun  II. transitive verb  Date: 13th century to act as the ~ of ; be~