n. Slang
A companion or associate, especially an older friend who acts as a patron, protector, or adviser.
[Probably alteration of Italian compare, godfather, from Medieval Latin compater. See compadre.]
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.
