Crossword Genius

Tender-sounding old king? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

offa

'old king?' is the definition.
(King of Mercia)

'tender-sounding' is the wordplay.
'tender' becomes 'offer' (synonyms).
'sounding' shows a homophone (sound like).
'offer' sounds like 'OFFA'.

(Other definitions for offa that I've seen before include "Mercian leader" , "Organiser of defence" , "One-time king" , "He created barrier" , "8th-century Mercian king" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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