Crossword Genius

Like a Christmas tree cross (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

needled

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'like' is the definition.
The answer and definition are different parts of speech. However, past participle verbs and adjectives sometimes define each other.

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for needled that I've seen before include "Provoked or teased with knitting implements? (7)" , "bugged" , "Goaded or provoked" , "Piqued" , "Irked" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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