Crossword Genius

One who'll perhaps fold - very feeble, losing pawn to gain tempo (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

valet

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

'one who'll perhaps fold' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'very feeble losing pawn to gain tempo' is the wordplay.
'very' becomes 'v' (common abbreviation).
'feeble' becomes 'pale' (I've seen this in another clue).
'losing' is a deletion indicator.
'pawn' becomes 'p'.
'to gain tempo' becomes 't' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'pale' with 'p' taken out is 'ale'.
'v'+'ale'+'t'='VALET'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for valet that I've seen before include "Man's manservant" , "dresser" , "Gentleman's gentleman" , "Man's servant" , "Batman" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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