Crossword Genius

Gratuity in post used as wage (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stipend

'used as wage' is the definition.
(a stipend may form a salary)

'gratuity in post' is the wordplay.
'gratuity' becomes 'tip' (as in a gratuity to a waiter).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'post' becomes 'send' (synonyms).
'tip' going inside 'send' is 'STIPEND'.

(Other definitions for stipend that I've seen before include "Soldier's pay" , "Tips end badly in an emolument" , "Church pay" , "Pay (clerical)" , "Clergyman's salary" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun and The Independent.
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