semifriend

English

Etymology

From semi- +‎ friend.

Noun

semifriend (plural semifriends)

1. A friendly acquaintance; a person with whom one has cordial relations but who is not truly a friend
   • 1936, George Orwell, Keep the Aspidistra Flying:

     The horribly ladylike lady who kept the teashop was a semifriend as well as an employer, and thus could sweat and bully Julia to the tune of 'dearest' and 'darling'.