Answer: pards

AnswerCrossword Clue
PARDSWestern friends: Slang.
pardsPARD, a leopard (a large, carnivorous, feline mammal)
pardspartner; companion
pardsleopard or panther
PARDSCowpokes' colleagues
PARDSPokes' pals
PARDSCowboys' buddies
PARDSBuddies on the range
PARDSPals, out West
PARDSColleagues, Western style
PARDSCowboy's cronies.
PARDSCowpoke's pals
PARDSCowboy's comrades:Slang.
PARDSCowboy colleagues.
PARDSWestern pals.
PARDSCowboys' colleagues.
PARDSLeopards.
PARDSCompanions, casually
PARDSCowpokes' pals
PARDSOater buds
PARDSBuds
PARDSWestern buds