cronies

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
crony \cro"ny\ (kr[=o]"n[y^]), n.; pl. {Cronies}
   (kr[=o]"n[i^]z). [Orig., an old woman. See {Crone}.]
   1. A crone. [Obs.] "Marry not an old crony." --Burton.
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   2. An intimate companion; a familiar friend. [Colloq.]
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            He soon found his former cronies, though all rather
            the worse for the wear and tear of time. --W.
                                                  Irving.
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