Farmworker only half freshens up (4)

I believe the answer is:

serf

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'farmworker only' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'half freshens up' is the wordplay.
'half' indicates taking half.
'up' says the letters should be written in reverse (in down clue: letters go upwards).
'freshens' halved is 'fres'.
'fres' in reverse letter order is 'SERF'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for serf that I've seen before include "Labourer bound" , "Thrall" , "Feudal estate worker" , "One bound to work" , "Peasant, agricultural labourer" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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