Use of 'Friend' in 19th C Will

[castlebob]

Thanks so much, Stan.
That's exactly what I was looking for. It also fits as my ancestors were Scots & Irish etc.
Cheers,
Bob

[Koromo]

It's good to see that OED definition because I have a couple of other wills where it is not obvious that a named friend might be a relative — must go back and study them again.

CastleBob: yes, the testator was a first cousin (same surname) and his own and his executors' full London street addresses were very helpfully included so I was never in any doubt. 

K.

PS.  I don't know if the fact that the will appears to have been drawn up in Scotland has any bearing on the useage of friend. (The witnesses' addresses are both in Aberdeen).

[Skoosh]

This isn't some obsolete legal term it's common usage, I use it and I'm not obsolete yet! 

Skoosh.

[castlebob]

I found an old scribbled ref from some similar research a few years ago that 'friend' in Latin is 'amicus'. It seems amicus is both kinsman & friend. I'd guess that, yet again, the Latin gives the clue.
(I am nearly obsolete, according to my wife!)

[Skoosh]

My faither used to say "A pound's yer best freen!", don't think he was far wrong. 

Skoosh.