Crossword Genius

Still independent, being of elusive nature (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

yeti

'being of elusive nature' is the definition.
(yetis are either non-existent or very elusive)

'still independent' is the wordplay.
'still' becomes 'yet' (synonyms).
'independent' becomes 'i'.
'yet'+'i'='YETI'

(Other definitions for yeti that I've seen before include "It's fantastic being" , "Mythical Tibetan beast" , "Mythical humanoid" , "Creature of disputed existence" , "Himalayan mystery" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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