Quakers (7)
I believe the answer is:
'quakers' is the definition.
('Friend' can be a synonym of 'quaker')
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for friends that I've seen before include "Intimates" , "''..., Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears'' (Julius Caesar)" , "playmates!" , "Intimate acquaintances" , "Chums" .)