Crossword Genius

Long pole, gilded article? (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

oar

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

'long pole' is the definition.
'oar' can be an answer for 'pole' (I've seen this before). I'm not certain of the 'long' bit.

'gilded article?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'article?' could be 'a' (English indefinite article) and 'a' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'or' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for oar that I've seen before include "I'm involved in row" , "Implement to propel a boat" , "Rower's flat blade" , "Rower" , "Pole for rowing" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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