bud·dy (bŭd'ē) Informal.
n., pl., -dies.

1. A good friend; a comrade.
2. A partner, especially one of a pair or team associated under the buddy system.
3. Friend or comrade; chum. Used as a form of familiar address, especially for a man or boy: Watch it, buddy.

intr.v., -died, -dy·ing, -dies.
To associate as a buddy or buddies: buddied around with the older guys.

phrasal verb:

buddy up

1. To ingratiate oneself, as by presuming friendship: buddied up to the coach in hopes of making the team.

[Probably alteration of BROTHER.]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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