Crossword Genius

Dad's first epitaph for a fool (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

drip

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'a fool' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.

'dad's first epitaph' is the wordplay.
'dad's first' becomes 'd' (1st letter of 'dad').
'epitaph' becomes 'RIP' (rest in peace).
'd'+'rip'='DRIP'

'for' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for drip that I've seen before include "Fall in small drops as from tap" , "Wet - sign of faulty washer" , "Fall in small drops as from wet clothes" , "Fall in small blobs" , "Fall in small amounts" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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