Emily Dickinson Lexicon

FRIEND, n. [frend; Sax. freond, the participle of freon, to free, to love, contracted from frigan, to free; G. freund; D. vriend; Dan. frende; Sw. frände. We see the radical sense is to free; hence, to be ready, willing, or cheerful joyous, and allied perhaps to frolick.]

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. xvii. There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Prov. xviii.
2. One not hostile; opposed to an enemy in war. Shak.
3. One reconciled after enmity. Let us be friends again.
4. An attendant; a companion. Dryden.
5. A favorer; one who is propitious; as, a friend to commerce; a friend to poetry; a friend to charitable institutions.
6. A favorite. Hushai was David's friend.
7. A term of salutation; a familiar compellation. Friend, how camest thou In hither? Matth. xxii. So Christ calls Judas his friend, though a traitor. Matth. xxvi.
8. Formerly, a paramour.
9. A friend at court, one who has sufficient interest to serve another. Chaucer.