Crossword Genius

Proffer a few if generous (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

handsome

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'generous' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'proffer a few' is the wordplay.
'proffer' becomes 'hand' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'a few' becomes 'some' (both can mean a small amount of something).
'hand'+'some'='HANDSOME'

'if' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for handsome that I've seen before include "Easy on the eye" , "Goodly" , "'Good-looking, as a man might be (8)'" , "Attractive, liberal" , "Pleasing to see" .)

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