Answer:

cronies

Answer	Crossword Clue
CRONIES	Buds
CRONIES	Chums
CRONIES	Chums.

CRONIES	Close companions.
CRONIES	Boon companions.
CRONIES	Pals
CRONIES	Sidekicks
CRONIES	Intimates
CRONIES	Back-room cigar smokers, say
CRONIES	Gang members
CRONIES	Political pals

CRONIES	They hang together

Crossword

a puzzle consisting of a grid of squares and blanks into which words crossing vertically and horizontally are written according to clues.