Crossword Genius

Rent time was important when month’s missed (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tattered

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'rent' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tattered that I've seen before include "Ragged and threadbare" , "Torn and ragged" , "Old and torn" , "Frayed" , "Shabby" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app