Crossword Genius

Sailor not entirely bitter (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tar

'sailor' is the definition.
(tar can mean a sailor)

'not entirely bitter' is the wordplay.
'not entirely' means to remove the last letter (not all of the word).
'bitter' becomes 'tart' (tart can mean bitter-tasting).
'tart' with its last letter taken off is 'TAR'.

(Other definitions for tar that I've seen before include "Sailor (colloq.)" , "Dark viscid substance" , "prepare for feathers?" , "'Thick, dark, sticky liquid (3)'" , "one may need to pay on boat" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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