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French boarding houses appreciated by the retired (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pensions

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'french boarding houses' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I don't understand how they can define each other.

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pensions that I've seen before include "Payments in retirement, for continental boarding houses?" , "income from these?" , "The benefits" , "Regular payments after retirement" , "accommodation overseas?" .)

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