crony

Etymology 1

Coined between 1655 and 1665 from Ancient Greek χρόνιος (khrónios, “perennial, long-lasting”) (English chrono- (“time”), initially as Cambridge University slang, in sense of “chum”, as “friend of long standing”, with illegal connotation later. Early spellings included chrony, as in 1665 diary by Samuel Pepys, supporting the Greek origin.

noun

1. (informal, originally Cambridge University) A close friend.
2. (informal) A trusted companion or partner in a criminal organization.

Etymology 2

noun

1. (obsolete) An old woman; a crone.