a person, not a relation, who one knows and likes well
confidant, companion
Cases of word usage
1) a person who one knows but not as well as a friend (acquaintance)
2) to be a friend to (especially a person who needs help) (befriend)
3) a close friend (especially used by boys) (chum)
4) of the same kind, class etc; a man or a boy; a friend (fellow)
5) acting or ready to act as a friend (friendly)
6) close and familiar; to have sexual intercourse; most private and personal; a close friend (intimate)
7) a friend (pal)
8) a secret word or phrase which enables a person to be recognized as a friend and not an enemy (password)
9) any one of a group of long, legless reptiles, some of which are poisonous; an insincere, harmful person who pretends to be a friend (snake)
10) (used to call a greeting to a friend etc) (yoo-hoo)