CRONY

crony. Crony, n. a hooked stick; v.t. to bend, to pervert

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Cro″ny (krō″ny̆), n.; pl. Cronies (–nĭz). [[Orig., an old woman. See Crone.]] 1. 1. A crone. “Marry not an old crony.” Burton.
2. 2. An intimate companion; a familiar friend.
He soon found his former cronies, though all rather the worse for the wear and tear of time. W. Irving.