Crossword Genius

Dreary poet sent up (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

drab

'dreary' is the definition.
('drab' can be a synonym of 'dreary')

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

(Other definitions for drab that I've seen before include "Dull and monotonous" , "Dull - dreary" , "kind of tart" , "Shabby; a slattern (arch.)" , "Cheerless, shabby" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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