Crossword Genius

Pole virtually redundant (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spar

'pole' is the definition.
(spar is a kind of pole)

'virtually redundant' is the wordplay.
'virtually' means to remove the last letter (all but the last letter).
'redundant' becomes 'spare' ('spare' can be a synonym of 'redundant').
'spare' with its final letter removed is 'SPAR'.

(Other definitions for spar that I've seen before include "Raps with large beam" , "Raps with strong pole" , "Box - mineral - rod" , "Stout pole to support rigging" , "Raps with wooden beam" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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