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Old poet turning over note respecting union (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

marital

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'old' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are adjectives, I can't see how they can define each other.

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

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(Other definitions for marital that I've seen before include "Relating to union of husband and wife" , "to do with couple's relationship" , "Of the nature of marriage" , "to do with life together" , "Of nuptials" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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