Chum, mate (3)
I believe the answer is:
pal
I believe this is a double definition.
'chum' is the first definition.
(both can mean a friend)
'mate' is the second definition.
(both can mean a friend)
(Other definitions for pal that I've seen before include "Buddy, chum" , "China" , "Crony" , "Mate, informal friend" , "Close friend" .)