Crossword Genius

A friend much altered (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

chum

'a friend' is the definition.
(chum is a kind of friend)

'much altered' is the wordplay.
'altered' is an anagram indicator.
'much' with letters rearranged gives 'CHUM'.

(Other definitions for chum that I've seen before include "Good friend" , "Close friend (colloq.)" , "Salmon" , "Pal, buddy" , "Pal, mate" .)

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