Crossword Genius

Released Penny for nothing, at first (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

freed

'released' is the definition.
('free' can be a synonym of 'release')

'penny for nothing at first' is the wordplay.
'penny' becomes 'd'.
'for nothing' becomes 'free' (I've seen this before).
'at first' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'd' put after 'free' is 'FREED'.

(Other definitions for freed that I've seen before include "Emancipated, let loose" , "Untied" , "Defer being liberated" , "Released" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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