Crossword Genius

Supported small tree that has given up the ghost (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

steadied

'supported' is the definition.
(to steady is to support or make stable)

'small tree that has given up the ghost' is the wordplay.
'small' becomes 's' (abbreviation - e.g. clothes size).
'tree' becomes 'tea' (I've seen this before).
'that has' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'given up the ghost' becomes 'died' (to 'give up the ghost' is to die).
's'+'tea'+'died'='STEADIED'

(Other definitions for steadied that I've seen before include "made stable" , "Made firm and balanced" , "Supported, controlled" , "calmed down" , "Braced" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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