Crossword Genius

Son deserting post, as appropriate (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

take

'appropriate' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'son deserting post' is the wordplay.
'son' becomes 's' (genealogical abbreviation for son).
'deserting' is a deletion indicator.
'post' becomes 'stake' (synonyms).
'stake' with 's' removed is 'TAKE'.

'as' is the link.

(Other definitions for take that I've seen before include "Convey; consume" , "Remove, subtract" , "Grab" , "Accept, receive" , "receipts" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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