The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word COMPADRE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
C
O
M
P
A
D
R
E
More clues leading to the result COMPADRE
- Buddy to regard as equal, friend finally hugged
- Mate finally scored during match
- Group of activists admitting old member as friend
- Liken to keeping death’s-head of a friend
- Close to forehand in set against friend
- Friend to arrive shortly with army chaplain
- Scoundrel embracing old politician about to get intimate …
- Rake endlessly in need of minister of religion as close pal
- Associate from Prime Minister's office about to be mobbed by party workers
- Taking defense, size up buddy
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "friend" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case friend = compadre.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does COMPADRE mean?
COMPADRE noun- A friend or companion.