A free boarder (8)

I believe the answer is:

stowaway

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'a free boarder' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I don't see?

This is all the clue.

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(Other definitions for stowaway that I've seen before include "One illegally on board" , "Non-fare paying traveller at sea" , "Illicit passenger on boat, plane etc" , "Shirley Temple film" , "Free rider" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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