Crossword Genius

Employed American boy (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

used

'employed' is the definition.
('use' can be a synonym of 'employ')

'american boy' is the wordplay.
'american' becomes 'US' (United States).
'boy' becomes 'ed' (short for Edward).
'us'+'ed'='USED'

(Other definitions for used that I've seen before include "Pre-loved" , "Sued (anag.)" , "with a previous owner" , "Was treating" , "Dues (anag.)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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