Crossword Genius

Picked up beloved animal (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

deer

'animal' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'picked up beloved' is the wordplay.
'picked up' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'beloved' becomes 'dear' (synonyms).
'dear' is a homophone of 'DEER'.

(Other definitions for deer that I've seen before include "Source of venison" , "The male has antlers" , "Hoofed mammal" , "The - Hunter, 1978 film" , "Eg, stag or doe" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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