Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Befriend \Be*friend"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Befriended}; p. pr.
   & vb. n. {Befriending}.]
   To act as a friend to; to favor; to aid, benefit, or
   countenance.

         By the darkness befriended.              --Longfellow.