λέσχη
ἐν ταῖς ἀνάγκαις χρημάτων κρείττων φίλος → it is better in times of need to have friends rather than money, a friend in need is a friend indeed (Menander, Sententiae monostichoi 143)
English (LSJ)
ἡ, (prob. from *λέχ-σκη, cf. λέχος) orig.
A couch: hence, funeral bier or tomb, IG12(1).709 (Camirus); then, 2 lounging place, resort of idlers or beggars, οὐδ' ἐθέλεις εὕδειν χαλκήϊον ἐς δόμον ἐλθὼν ἠέ που ἐς λέσχην Od.18.329; πὰρ δ' ἴθι χάλκειον θῶκον καὶ ἐπαλέα λέσχην Hes.Op.493, cf. 501; κατίζων ἐν ταῖς λ. τῶν γερόντων Ps.- Hdt.Vit.Hom.12. 3 later, public building or hall, used as a lounge or meeting-place, esp. at Sparta and in other Doric cities, Cratin.164 (pl.), cf. Paus.3.14.2, Plu.Lyc.16, 24 (pl.); also in Attica, IG12.888, 2.1055.23, Procl.ad Hes.Op.491; at Delphi, hall adorned with paintings by Polygnotus, Luc.Im.7, Paus.10.25.1; at Cnidus, council-chamber, Plu.2.412d, cf. 298d; of the council of the Olympian gods, Ζεὺς ἇς λέσχας ἀπηξιώσατο (sc. τὰς Ἐρινῦς) A.Eu.366 (lyr.); also σύγκλητον τήνδε γερόντων λ. this specially summoned council, S.Ant.161 (anap.). II talk or gossip, such as went on in the λέσχαι (cf. λεσχηνεύω, etc.), μακραὶ λ. E.Hipp.384, cf. IA1001 (pl.), Epicr.11.32 (pl., anap.), LXX Pr.23.29 (pl.), AP13.6 (Phal.); in bad sense, malicious gossip, scandal, Vett. Val.in Cat.Cod.Astr.8(1).165 (pl.); also in good sense, conversation, discussion, γενομένης λ., ὃς γένοιτο . . ἄριστος Hdt.9.71; ἐκ λόγων ἄλλων ἀπικέσθαι ἐς λ. περὶ τοῦ Νείλου Id.2.32; λόγον εἴ τιν' οἴσεις πρὸς ἐμὰν λ. if thou hast aught to discuss with me, S.OC167 (lyr.); αἶσαν λέσχης οἶνος ἔχειν ἐθέλει Call. Aet.1.1.16; ἥλιον ἐν λέσχῃ κατεδύσαμεν Id.Epigr.2.3; λύω λέσχας, 'cut the cackle', prov. for breaking off discussion and setting to work in earnest, Pl.Com.223.
