The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Befriend \Be*friend"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Befriended; p. pr.
   & vb. n. Befriending.]
   To act as a friend to; to favor; to aid, benefit, or
   countenance.
   [1913 Webster]

         By the darkness befriended.              --Longfellow.
   [1913 Webster]