Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Friend
Friend
(frĕnd)
, Noun.
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 institution4.
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.]
Shak.
A friend at court
or A friend in 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.
“He’s . . . friends with Cæsar.” Shak.
– To make friends with
, to become reconciled to or on friendly terms with.
“Having now made friends with the Athenians.” Jowett (Thucyd.).
Friend
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Friended
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Friending
.] To act as the friend of; to favor; to countenance; to befriend.
[Obs.]
Fortune
friends
the bold. Spenser.
Webster 1828 Edition
Friend
FRIEND
,Noun.
1.
One who is attached to another by affection; one who entertains for another sentiments of esteem, respect and affection, which lead him to desire his company, and to seek to promote his happiness and prosperity; opposed to foe or enemy.A friend loveth at all times. Prov. 17.
2.
One not hostile; opposed to an enemy in war.3.
One reconciled after enmity. Let us be friends again.4.
An attendant; a companion.5.
A favorer; one who is propitious; as a friend to commerce; a friend to poetry; a friend to charitable institution.6.
A favorite. Hushai was David's friend.7.
A term of salutation; a familiar compellation.Friend, how camest thou in hither? Matt. 22.
So Christ calls Judas his friend, though a traitor.
Matt. 26.
8.
Formerly, a paramour.9.
A friend at court, one who has sufficient interest to serve another.FRIEND
,Verb.
T.