Crossword Genius

Dejected having to put up with setter? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hangdog

'dejected' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'to put up with setter?' is the wordplay.
'to put up' becomes 'hang' (I've seen this in other clues).
'with' says to put letters next to each other.
'setter?' becomes 'dog' (a setter is a type of dog).
'hang'+'dog'='HANGDOG'

'having' is the link.

(Other definitions for hangdog that I've seen before include "depressed" , "With a guilty look" , "With cowed expression" , "Suspend canine with shamefaced look" , "Appearing ashamed" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app