stepfriend

English

Etymology

From step- +‎ friend.

Noun

stepfriend (plural stepfriends)

1. A friend whose association is conferred through that of a mutual friend, being oftentimes obligatory
   • 1992, Leo Hamalian, James Vernon Hatch, Roots of African American Drama:

     At best, we were stepfriends. I'm going to miss that.

   • 2014, Norman Manea, The Black Envelope:

     And the stepfriend Tori-Taube. The perfect alibi as friend, as friend's wife.

   • 2016, Devon Hartford, Broken Lion:

     I was the stepfriend. Pretty sure that held no weight in family court.