Crossword Genius

Blank verse poet puts first (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

void

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'blank' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'verse poet puts first' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'verse' could be 'v' and 'v' is found within the answer.
'first' could be 'i' (I in Roman numerals eg Elizabeth I) and 'i' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'od' 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 void that I've seen before include "Empty or vacant, like space" , "Not valid or legally binding" , "Null and empty" , "Gap, absence" , "Empty space or legally invalid" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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