Crossword Genius

Sanction representative, old, visiting the jug (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

empower

'sanction' is the definition.
(sanction can mean to empower or permit)

'representative old visiting the jug' is the wordplay.
'representative' becomes 'mp' (Member of Parliament, a representative).
'old' becomes 'o' (common abbreviation eg in OE for Old English).
'visiting' indicates putting letters inside.
'the jug' becomes 'ewer' (type of vessel).
'mp'+'o'='mpo'
'mpo' inserted inside 'ewer' is 'EMPOWER'.

(Other definitions for empower that I've seen before include "Give authority to, enable" , "Give authority to, authorise" , "Entitle" , "Authorize" , "Authorise, endue" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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