Scrawnier, oddly deficient stick (4)

I believe the answer is:

cane

'stick' is the definition.
(I know that cane is a type of stick)

'scrawnier oddly deficient' is the wordplay.
'oddly deficient' means one should take alternating letters (letters in odd-numbered positions removed).
The alternate letters of 'scrawnier' are 'CANE'.

(Other definitions for cane that I've seen before include "Slender stem of bamboo etc" , "Sugar plant" , "Eg, rattan" , "Walking stick; punish" , "Punish; woody stem" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.