Crossword Genius

Though old, managed without a valet (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aged

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'though old' is the definition.
'aged' can be an answer for 'old' (similar in meaning). I'm not sure about the 'though' bit.

'managed without a valet' is the wordplay.
'without' indicates named letters should be taken away.
'a valet' becomes 'man' ('man' can be a synonym of 'valet').
'managed' with 'man' taken away is 'AGED'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for aged that I've seen before include "Long in the tooth" , "Matured like wine in wood" , "Elderly" , "Antiquated" , "way over the hill" .)

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