Friend

(frēnd), n. [Goth. frijōnds, friend, properly p. pr. of frijōn, frīon, to love, A-S. freōgan, freōgian; A-S. friōnd, frēond, frīend, O. Sax. friund, O. H. Ger. friunt, friont, M. H. Ger. vriunt, N. H. Ger. freund, D. vriend, Dan. & Sw. frände.] 1. One who, entertaining for another sentiments of esteem, respect, and affection, from personal predilection, seeks his society and welfare; a well-wisher; an intimate associate;—sometimes an attendant. Dryden. There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Prov. xviii. 24.

2. One not inimical or hostile; not a foe or enemy; also, one of the same nation, party, kin, or the like, whose friendly feelings may be assumed;—sometimes used as a term of friendly address.
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 charitable institutions.
4. One of the religious sect usually called Quakers by those not of the sect.
5. A paramour. [Obs.] Shak.

A friend at court or in court, one disposed to act as a friend in a place of special opportunity or influence.