Crossword Genius

Male former partner in charge of old country (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mexico

'country' is the definition.
(I know that Mexico is a North American country)

'male former partner in charge of old' is the wordplay.
'male' becomes 'm' (common abbreviation).
'former partner' becomes 'ex' (an ex-partner).
'in charge of' becomes 'ic'.
'old' becomes 'o' (abbreviation as in OT - Old Testament).
'm'+'ex'+'ic'+'o'='MEXICO'

(Other definitions for mexico that I've seen before include "Country of the Aztecs" , "Country south of US" , "Chihuahua's home" , "Country south of USA" , "Country bordering US" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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