Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CRO'NY, n. [See Crone. But this word seems to carry the sense of fellowship, and is precisely the Ar. قَرَنَ karana, 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 year's gift. – Swift. Hence an old crony is an intimate friend of long standing.