Copy, ample, regularly used (3)

I believe the answer is:

ape

'copy' is the definition.
(ape can mean to copy or imitate)

'ample regularly used' is the wordplay.
'regularly used' indicates alternate letters (letters selected on a regular basis).
The alternating letters of 'ample' are 'APE'.

(Other definitions for ape that I've seen before include "Send up" , "Monkey" , "Closely follow" , "Large primate" , "Parrot" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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