Crossword Genius

One pauper leaving Portugal, possibly Spanish? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

european

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

'spanish?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'one pauper leaving portugal possibly' is the wordplay.
'leaving' suggests deleting specific letters.
'portugal' becomes 'p' (common abbreviation eg on car number plates).
'possibly' is an anagram indicator.
'one'+'pauper'='onepauper'
'onepauper' with 'p' removed is 'oneauper'.
'oneauper' anagrammed gives 'EUROPEAN'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for european that I've seen before include "Relating to the continent" , "The continental is a pure one" , "possibly from Italy" , "Dubliner, Londoner, Berliner, for instance" , "The E of the EU" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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