Crossword Genius

Bath time barney (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spat

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'bath time barney' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'bath time' is the wordplay.
'bath' becomes 'spa' (I've seen this before).
'time' becomes 't'.
'spa'+'t'='SPAT'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for spat that I've seen before include "Taps in a small quarrel" , "Row; discharged" , "Little quarrel - leg wear" , "Pat's involved in petty quarrel" , "Slight quarrel - ejected saliva" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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