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1A: Pole a close friend (4)
?P?R
'spar' would fit the definition of a pole, but I cannot find anywhere that says 'spar' also means 'a close friend'?
(other than 'sparring partner' meaning 'friend with whom one enjoys lively arguments'
Any ideas, please?

Britannica concise gives spar as informal close friend.

Chambers spar 2 : a friend with whom one enjoys lively arguments!!!!

Thank you, Stevie Gee - I didn't have that reference.

and Andy- my Chambers doesn't give that definition! only 'sparring partner' as I stated!

Mine's the 12th Edition Elle I think you've already had that debate. Ha ha.

Just thought to check the list of 500 "missing" words, Andy - but it isn't in there , either ! oh dear!

Curious- my trusty Chambers 12 gives "a friend with whom one enjoys lively arguments" under "sparring partner" as a subsection of "spar".

Sorry elle. The definition is in the Oxford concise dictionary.

AB, so does my 13 edition but I don't see that as meaning that 'spar' itself = close friend?

Stevie Gee - I've just looked in my edition of the Concise Oxford Dictionary - but it isn't in there! ( I think I'll go back to bed....)

Elle - neither do i. I was curious as to why my Chambers 12 appears to have a different entry to AndyC's.