Crossword Genius

Old poet in pandemic losing head (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ovid

'old poet' is the definition.
(Roman poet)

'pandemic losing head' is the wordplay.
'pandemic' becomes 'covid' (covid-19 pandemic).
'losing head' means to remove the first letter.
'covid' with its first letter removed is 'OVID'.

'in' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for ovid that I've seen before include "Metamorphoses author" , "Vi, do read the Latin poet" , "Latin poet (Ars amatoria, Metamorphoses)" , "Old linesman" , "Roman poet N void (anag)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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