Crossword Genius

Large group live very badly finally (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bevy

'large group' is the definition.
(large group of animals or people)

'live very badly finally' is the wordplay.
'live' becomes 'be' (synonyms).
'very' becomes 'v' (abbreviation).
'finally' suggests the final letters.
The final letter of 'badly' is 'y'.
'be'+'v'+'y'='BEVY'

(Other definitions for bevy that I've seen before include "What's sold at number 3 [WATERING HOLE]" , "Drink - collection of beauties?" , "Flock (eg of quails)" , "Flock of larks, quails or swans" , "female company?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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