Crossword Genius

The old magistrate could follow a point (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

doge

'the old magistrate' is the definition.
(as in the Doges of Venice)

'follow a point' is the wordplay.
'follow' becomes 'dog' (dog can mean to follow or torment).
'a point' becomes 'e' (compass point).
'dog'+'e'='DOGE'

'could' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for doge that I've seen before include "Venetian leader" , "Magistrate of 14 (historical)" , "Venetian chief magistrate" , "foreign magistrate" , "Historically, the chief magistrate of Venice or Genoa" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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