According to James Orchard Halliwell's "Dictionary of Archaic Words" first published in 1850, the word "marrow" means (and I quote)(1) A companion, or friend; a mate or lover. See Ben Jonson, vii, 406. 'Pore husbondes that had no marrowes.' A marrow in Yorkshire is a fellow or companion. Any one who recalls that great televison series "When the Boat Comes In" (title sung sung by the late Alex Glasgow) will recall the use of the word "marra" to mean "mate or friend."