Crony Meaning
/ˈkɹoʊni/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA close friend.
nounA trusted companion or partner in a criminal organization.
Sentence Examples
Tom is a crony capitalist.
He appointed his close crony to the position of director.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The politician was criticized for giving a lucrative contract to his old college ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Tom is a ____ capitalist.
Word Origin & History
Coined between 1655 and 1665 from Ancient Greek χρόνιος (khrónios, “perennial, long-lasting”); see also chrono- (“time”). Initially 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.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Rip now resumed his old walks and habits; he soon found many of his former cronies, though all rather the worse for the wear and tear of time; and preferred making friends among the rising generation, with whom he soon grew into great favour."
— 1819 June 23, Geoffrey Crayon [pseudonym; Washington Irving], “Rip Van Winkle”, in The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent., number I, New York, N.Y.: […] C[ornelius] S. Van Winkle, […], →OCLC, page 91:
"Marry not an old crony."
— 1624, Democritus Junior [pseudonym; Robert Burton], The Anatomy of Melancholy: […], 2nd edition, Oxford, Oxfordshire: […] John Lichfield and James Short, for Henry Cripps, →OCLC:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The politician was criticized for giving a lucrative contract to his old college ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Tom is a ____ capitalist.