Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

compadre

[kuh m-pah-drey]
See more synonyms for compadre on Thesaurus.com
noun Chiefly Southwestern U.S.
  1. a friend, companion, or close associate.
Show More

Origin of compadre

1825–35, Americanism; < American Spanish; Spanish: godfather < early Medieval Latin compater; see compère
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for compadre

Contemporary Examples

Historical Examples

  • The emissary and compadre of Hernandez spurred his horse close up.

  • There is a beginning to everything, compadre; so let us say no more, but good-bye.

    The Trail-Hunter

    Gustave Aimard

  • As you see, compadre; but let me have my breakfast at once, for I have a deal to do.

    Stronghand

    Gustave Aimard

  • They reverence their parents, they honor their patron, and love their compadre.

    Pony Tracks

    Frederic Remington

  • Bien, compadre,” he quietly replied, “it will be as you say.

    Carmen Ariza

    Charles Francis Stocking

British Dictionary definitions for compadre

compadre

noun
  1. Southwestern US a masculine friend
Show More

Word Origin

from Spanish: godfather, from Medieval Latin compater, from Latin com- with + pater father
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for compadre

n.

"companion," 1834, American English, from Spanish compadre "godfather," hence "benefactor, friend," from Medieval Latin compater, from com- "with" (see com-) + pater "father" (see father (n.). Cf. compere, also gossip (n.).

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper