Crossword Genius

Sob stuff from sailor, by the way (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pathos

'sob stuff' is the definition.

'sailor by the way' is the wordplay.
'sailor' becomes 'os' (ordinary seaman).
'by' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'the way' becomes 'path' ('path' can be a synonym of 'way'**).
'os' after 'path' is 'PATHOS'.

'from' is the link.

(Other definitions for pathos that I've seen before include "Literary style arousing feelings of sorrow and sympathy" , "Quality evoking pity or sadness" , "Quality of attracting pity" , "Pitifulness" , "Quality with power to provoke pity or sadness" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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