Crossword Genius

Given funds, so finish in credit (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

endowed

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'given funds' is the definition.
'endowed' can be an answer for 'given' (endowing is a kind of giving). I'm unsure of the 'funds' bit.

'so finish in credit' is the wordplay.
'so' becomes 'then' (I've seen this before).
'finish' suggests halving the letters.
'in credit' becomes 'dowed' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'then' cut in half is 'en'.
'en'+'dowed'='ENDOWED'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for endowed that I've seen before include "Bequeathed income to" , "Given means of support" , "Provided with permanent income or ability" , "Provided with money or qualities" , "Given, bequeathed" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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