Derived from French "camarade", which was in turn derived from Latin "camara", this term means one with whom feelings of camaraderie are shared. A friend, associate, or partner can be considered a comrade. This term was, in fact, used by socialists before the Soviets popularized it, and continues to be used today by socialists, communists, and even without political connotations.
Variant of "companion" formed in England in the 1500's. It was a military (especially naval) term to address one who had achieved the same high ranking as yourself, and may only be used by commanders, admirals and such.
In the USSR it became a popular form of address, and of welcome into the social groups surrounding bolshevism.
1. A word used to greet good friends or close allies. To refer to somebody as “Comrade” is to refer to them as a good friend. Your comrade is somebody you can trust, easily talk to, and have a good connection with.
2. An ally in battle. Your comrade in battle is somebody who would be willing to risk your life to save.
3. A form of greeting used among friends, and communists
(also 'dot comrade') n. an acquaintance first encountered online whom you have not yet met in real life
can range from something as casual and one-dimensional as a preferred online chess opponent to a mutual Livejournal friend whose blogs you've both commented on for years to someone you often corresponded with via webcams and even might have had cybersex with
"Sure, she's listed 400 friends on her Myspace, but most of them are .comrades."
"That reminds me of something my friend Dave said yesterday. Well, actually it was something he wrote on his blog--he's more of a .comrade."
