Crossword Genius

Compare bushy beards and crusty spots, say (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

liken

'compare bushy beards' is the definition.
'liken' can be an answer for 'compare' (synonyms). I am unsure of the 'bushy beards' bit.

'crusty spots say' is the wordplay.
'crusty spots' becomes 'lichen' (type of skin disease producing crusty lesions).
'say' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'lichen' is a homophone of 'LIKEN'.

'and' is the link.

(Other definitions for liken that I've seen before include "Equate" , "Point out the resemblance (to)" , "Represent as similar" , "Compare" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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