Crossword Genius

Elderly friends accepting sport half-heartedly - inclined to play? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

kittenish

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'play?' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

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(Other definitions for kittenish that I've seen before include "as queen in her youth, perhaps" , "like a queen's offspring?" , "Young, playful; flirtatious" , "Playful like young feline" , "in an affected way" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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