Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
FRIEND
I. noun
Etymology: Middle English frend, from Old English frēond; akin to Old High German friunt friend, Old English frēon to love, frēo free Date: before 12th century
1. one attached to another by affection or esteem, acquaintance ,
2. one that is not hostile, one that is of the same nation, party, or group, one that favors or promotes something (as a charity), a favored companion, a member of a Christian sect that stresses Inner Light, rejects sacraments and an ordained ministry, and opposes war, friendless adjective friendlessness noun
II. transitive verb
Date: 13th century
to act as the friend of ; befriend