Crossword Genius

Friend of dad, fifty (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pal

'friend' is the definition.
(pal can mean a friend)

'dad fifty' is the wordplay.
'dad' becomes 'pa' (both can mean one's father).
'fifty' becomes 'L' (Roman numeral).
'pa'+'l'='PAL'

'of' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for pal that I've seen before include "Close friend" , "China" , "Mate, buddy" , "Brother" , "Mate, informal friend" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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