Crossword Genius

Fingered the matted fabric (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

felt

I believe this clue is a double definition.

'fingered' is the first definition.
('feel' can be a synonym of 'finger')

'matted fabric' is the second definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'the' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for felt that I've seen before include "Fabric of matted wool fibres" , "Rather thought; a cloth" , "Material - perceived by touch" , "Baize-like cloth" , "Handled - material" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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