Prude with a sloppy grip (4)
I believe the answer is:
prig
'prude' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'a sloppy grip' is the wordplay.
'a sloppy' indicates anagramming the letters.
'grip' anagrammed gives 'PRIG'.
'with' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for prig that I've seen before include "Goody-goody" , "Excessively moralistic person" , "Unpleasant arrogant person" , "humbug" , "Smug hypocrite" .)