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pal (n.)

"partner, mate, chum," slang, 1680s, said to be from Romany (English Gypsy) pal "brother, comrade," a variant of continental Romany pral, plal, phral, which are probably from Sanskrit bhrata "brother" (from PIE root *bhrater- "brother"). Colloquial extended form palsy-walsy is attested from 1930. Pally (adj.) is attested by 1895.

pal (v.)

"behave as pals; spend time or pursue activities together," 1879, from pal (n.). Originally with in; by 1889 with up; 1915 with round or around. Related: Palled; palling.

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Definitions of pal from WordNet
1
pal (v.)
become friends; act friendly towards;
Synonyms: pal up / chum up
2
pal (n.)
a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities;
Synonyms: buddy / brother / chum / crony / sidekick
From wordnet.princeton.edu