Crossword Genius

Rodent sailor’s turned back (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rat

'rodent' is the definition.
(rat is a kind of rodent)

'sailor's turned back' is the wordplay.
'sailor' becomes 'tar' (tar is a kind of sailor).
'turned back' is a reversal indicator.
'tar' in reverse letter order is 'RAT'.

(Other definitions for rat that I've seen before include "Contemptible person" , "Destructive rodent" , "one not going down with ship" , "Plague-carrying rodent" , "Betray like a rodent" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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