Crossword Genius

State of regularly neglected wreaths revolting (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stew

'state' is the definition.
(stew is a kind of state)

'regularly neglected wreaths revolting' is the wordplay.
'regularly neglected' means one should take alternating letters (letters removed at regular intervals).
'revolting' says the letters should be written in reverse.
The alternating letters of 'wreaths' are 'wets'.
'wets' in reverse letter order is 'STEW'.

'of' is the link.

(Other definitions for stew that I've seen before include "Worried agitation" , "Ragout or burgoo" , "Braise" , "hotpot" , "Simmer" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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