Songwriter flogged old items (8)

I believe the answer is:

melodist

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'songwriter' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'flogged old items' is the wordplay.
'flogged' indicates anagramming the letters.
'old'+'items'='olditems'
'olditems' anagrammed gives 'MELODIST'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for melodist that I've seen before include "Type developing airs" , "Singer" , "Composer of attractive tunes" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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