Crossword Genius

Almost strip pub

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bar

'pub' is the definition.
(both are drinking establishments)

'almost strip' is the wordplay.
'almost' means to remove the last letter (most of the word but not all of it).
'strip' becomes 'bark' (barking is a kind of stripping).
'bark' with its final letter removed is 'BAR'.

(Other definitions for bar that I've seen before include "Counter; prevent" , "shoal at mouth of river" , "Inn" , "Drinking place - lawyers!" , "Lawyers - for drinks" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Mail.
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