CRONY, noun [See Crone. But this word seems to carry the sense of fellowship; to join, to associate; whence its derivative, an associate.] An intimate companion; an associate; a familiar friend. To oblige your crony Swift, bring our dame a new years gift. Hence, an old crony is an intimate friend of long standing.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI