Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Crony \Cro"ny\ (kr?"n?), n.; pl. {Cronies} (-n?z). [Orig., an
   old woman. See {Crone}.]
   1. A crone. [Obs.] ``Marry not an old crony.'' --Burton.

   2. An intimate companion; a familiar frend. [Colloq.]

            He soon found his former cronies, though all rather
            the worse for the wear and tear of time. --W.
                                                  Irving.