Left tip for waiter in time, generous (5)

I believe the answer is:

large

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'generous' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'left tip for waiter in time' is the wordplay.
'left' becomes 'l' (common abbreviation).
'tip for' suggests removing the centre (I've seen 'tips for' mean this (only the tips of the word remain)).
'waiter' becomes 'abider' (someone who abides or waits).
'in time' becomes 'ge' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'abider' with its centre taken out is 'ar'.
'l'+'ar'+'ge'='LARGE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for large that I've seen before include "Lager (anag.)" , "Above average in size, number, etc." , "substantial" , "Tall" , "Of great size" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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