Crossword Genius

Ragged female begged to be spared penny (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

frayed

'ragged' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'female begged to be spared penny' is the wordplay.
'female' becomes 'f' (common abbreviation).
'begged' becomes 'prayed' ('pray' can be a synonym of 'beg').
'to be spared' indicates named letters should be taken away.
'penny' becomes 'p'.
'prayed' with 'p' removed is 'rayed'.
'f'+'rayed'='FRAYED'

(Other definitions for frayed that I've seen before include "Torn at the edges as from wear" , "Threadbare and worn" , "Tattered and worn at edges" , "Of garment, worn and with loose threads" , "Ravelled at the edges" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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