Got bigger, in meagre way (4)

I believe the answer is:

grew

'got bigger' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'in meagre way' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'GREW' can be found hidden inside 'meagre way'.

(Other definitions for grew that I've seen before include "Expanded - flourished" , "Got bigger" , "Developed, matured" , "Sprouted" , "Became larger" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.

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