(informal, originally Cambridge University) A close friend. / (informal) A trusted companion or partner in a criminal organization.

(obsolete) An old woman; a crone.

plural of crony

(Britain, informal, humorous, derogatory) An ingratiating political associate of the former British prime minister Tony Blair.

plural of crony capitalism

(politics, idiomatic) A form of capitalism in which success in business depends on corrupt close relationships with government officials, often implying favouritism.

plural of Tony crony

Favoritism to friends without regard for their qualifications, especially by appointing them to political positions.

Of, or relating to cronyism.

cronyism