n.; pl. Cronies [ Orig., an old woman. See Crone. ] 1. A crone. [ Obs. ] “Marry not an old crony.” Burton. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. An intimate companion; a familiar friend. [ Colloq. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
He soon found his former cronies, though all rather the worse for the wear and tear of time. W. Irving. [ 1913 Webster ]