Crossword Genius

Bothered dispensing with pounds, as required (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

needed

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'required' is the definition.
(I know that required can be written as needed)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for needed that I've seen before include "Required; sounds like worked (dough)" , "Lacked something essential" , "Missing" , "Required, necessary" , "Essential; called for" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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