Fresher's explanation ultimately ignored but it does hold water (4)

I believe the answer is:

ewer

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'water' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ewer that I've seen before include "Jug with wide spout" , "Pitcher, water jug" , "water-carrier" , "Container" , "Were (anag)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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