Crossword Genius

Dreary poet returns (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

drab

'dreary' is the definition.
(I know that dreary can be written as drab)

'poet returns' is the wordplay.
'poet' becomes 'bard' (bard is a kind of poet).
'returns' is a reversal indicator.
'bard' written backwards gives 'DRAB'.

(Other definitions for drab that I've seen before include "Lacking brightness or colour" , "Dull - dreary" , "woman with slatternly habits" , "kind of tart" , "Not cheering" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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