Crossword Genius

One upholding a standard? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mast

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'a standard?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'one upholding' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'one' could be 'a' (a thing is one thing) and 'a' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'mst' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for mast that I've seen before include "Pole on ship" , "Pole to support a sail" , "Television transmitter" , "Tall pole from which flag is flown" , "Spar to support a sail" .)

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