Close friend - Crossword Clue, Answer and Explanation

(Other definitions for bro that I've seen before include "who may have a 28 [SIS]?" , "Sis's sibling?" , "US form of address" , "somewhere one feels close to" , "American greeting" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard, The Daily Mail, The Times, the USA Today, the Penny Press, The Mirror and the Newsday.

(Other definitions for mate that I've seen before include "Perhaps the wife" , "Finish game" , "Spouse or informal friend" , "Officer below master on a commercial ship" , "Companion, wife" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard, The Times, The Guardian, the USA Today, The Wall Street Journal and The Mirror.

'close friend' is the definition. (I've seen this before) This is all the clue.

(Other definitions for chum that I've seen before include "Salmon" , "Good friend" , "Close friend (colloq.)" , "Pal, mate" , "Informally, a close friend" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard, The Times, The Guardian, the USA Today, The Wall Street Journal and The Mirror.

'close friend' is the definition. (I've seen this in another clue) This is the entire clue.

(Other definitions for crony that I've seen before include "Close companion" , "Intimate companion" , "mate" , "China" , "Corny (anag.)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Newsday and The Times.

'close friend' is the definition. (intimate can be a noun: a close friend) This is the entire clue.

(Other definitions for intimate that I've seen before include "Tip off" , "state" , "Friendly" , "Personal - hint - friend" , "Sharing a close and affectionate friendship" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

Close friend (3)