Crossword Genius

Partner dumped daffier clothing to keep end up (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

affiliate

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'partner' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for affiliate that I've seen before include "Become closely connected" , "Associate with a parent body" , "Attach (to an organisation)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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