Pal
/pæl/noun
A friend or companion.
Did you know?Pal is first recorded in English slang in the 18th century, and its exact origin is uncertain, which makes it one of those words that arrived fully formed from the shadows of speech.
Etymological Timeline
18th Century
English
pal
“Slang for a companion or crony”
Late 18th Century
English
pall
“A familiar companion or associate (dialectal/slang use)”
Unknown
Unknown
?
“The ultimate origin is uncertain; no secure older source is established”
Modern English
English
pal
“A friend or buddy”