Partner, colleague (9)

I believe the answer is:

associate

This clue is a double definition.

'partner' is the first definition.
(I've seen this before)

'colleague' is the second definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

(Other definitions for associate that I've seen before include "Partner, affiliate" , "Partner, companion" , "Connect; partner" , "Not having full status" , "Hobnob" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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