Crossword Genius

Dreadlocked one stripped, for a start (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rasta

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'dreadlocked one' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'stripped for a start' is the wordplay.
'stripped' says to take the centre (outside letters removed).
'for' becomes 'pro' (as in being 'pro' or in favour of something).
'a start' becomes 'asta' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
The middle of 'pro' is 'r'.
'r'+'asta'='RASTA'

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(Other definitions for rasta that I've seen before include "Dreadlocked person (abbr.)" , "Member of religious movement originating in Jamaica" , "worshipper from Jamaica" , "One dreaded" , "religious follower" .)

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