The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

crony \cro"ny\ (kr[=o]"n[y^]), n.; pl. Cronies
   (kr[=o]"n[i^]z). [Orig., an old woman. See Crone.]
   1. A crone. [Obs.] "Marry not an old crony." --Burton.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. An intimate companion; a familiar friend. [Colloq.]
      [1913 Webster]

            He soon found his former cronies, though all rather
            the worse for the wear and tear of time. --W.
                                                  Irving.
      [1913 Webster]