Crossword Genius

Man spending reluctantly, essentially? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

miser

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

'reluctantly essentially?' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'man spending' is the wordplay.
'man' becomes 'm' (M is an abbreviation for male or masculine).
'spending' becomes 'iser' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'm'+'iser'='MISER'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for miser that I've seen before include "One's tight" , "Money-grubber" , "Stingy type" , "Hoarder of money and possessions" , "Cheeseparing person" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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