Crossword Genius

Feeling for small coin, one to place on drawing (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pitying

'feeling for' is the definition.
('pity' can be a synonym of 'feel for')

'small coin one to place on drawing' is the wordplay.
'small coin' becomes 'p' (abbreviation for pence; 'small' suggests an abbreviation).
'one' becomes 'i' (Roman numeral).
'to place on' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'drawing' becomes 'tying' ('tie' can be a synonym of 'draw').
'p'+'i'+'tying'='PITYING'

(Another definition for pitying that I've seen is " Compassionate".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app