Crossword Genius

Old fruit, whitish when cut (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pal

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

'cut' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with social activities as well as being verbs in their base form.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pal that I've seen before include "China" , "Friend (colloq.)" , "Mate, buddy" , "Buddy, chum" , "Bud" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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