Crossword Genius

Had been cut up (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

was

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'had been' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for was that I've seen before include "Used to be" , "Is no longer" , "(I/he/she/it) existed" , "(He/she/it) existed" , "Did live" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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