Crossword Genius

Pastry spoiled, odd bits removed (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pie

'pastry' is the definition.
(pie is a kind of pastry)

'spoiled odd bits removed' is the wordplay.
'odd bits removed' indicates alternate letters (letters in odd-numbered positions removed).
The alternating letters of 'spoiled' are 'PIE'.

(Other definitions for pie that I've seen before include "Covered flan" , "Fruit or meat dish" , "Bird - dish - mixed type" , "Small, former coin of India" , "Dish baked in an oven, with pastry or mashed potato topping" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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