Crossword Genius

Pa returns with a companion or fellow (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

chap

'fellow' is the definition.
(both can mean a man)

'pa returns with a companion' is the wordplay.
'returns' is a reversal indicator.
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'a companion' becomes 'ch' (Companion of Honour).
'pa' back-to-front is 'ap'.
'ap' after 'ch' is 'CHAP'.

'or' is the link.

(Other definitions for chap that I've seen before include "Become raw from cold - fellow" , "Man, sore patch" , "Split in skin" , "Sore; cheek; man" , "cove" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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