Crossword Genius

Friend giving father money (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pal

'friend' is the definition.
(pal is a kind of friend)

'giving father money' is the wordplay.
'giving' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'father' becomes 'pa' (pa is a kind of father).
'money' becomes 'l' (L can mean 'pounds'**).
'pa' next to 'l' is 'PAL'.

(Other definitions for pal that I've seen before include "Brother" , "Buddy, chum" , "China" , "Friend (colloq.)" , "Bud" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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