Crossword Genius

Rent to the Royal Navy (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

torn

'rent' is the definition.
('torn' can be a synonym of 'rent')

'to the royal navy' is the wordplay.
'the royal navy' becomes 'rn'.
'to'+'rn'='TORN'

(Other definitions for torn that I've seen before include "Divided" , "Removed forcibly" , "In a state of uncertainty between two conflicting options" , "Lacerated - in two minds" , "Having rips" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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