Crossword Genius

The penniless possess nothing (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nil

'nothing' is the definition.
('nil' can be a synonym of 'nothing')

'the penniless possess' is the wordplay.
'possess' indicates a hidden word.
'NIL' is hidden in the letters of 'penniless'.

(Other definitions for nil that I've seen before include "Lacking value" , "0" , "none" , "Nothing, no score" , "Nothing, zero" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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