Crossword Genius

Kept in pelf, inclined to be mischievous (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

elfin

'mischievous' is the definition.
(elfin means like an elf)

'kept in pelf inclined to' is the wordplay.
'kept in' indicates a hidden word.
'ELFIN' is hidden in the letters of 'pelf inclined to'.

'be' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for elfin that I've seen before include "little character" , "Delicate, slight" , "Like a mischievous fairy" , "Petite and charming" , "Small, delicate and charming" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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