Crossword Genius

Though socially acceptable in time it gives one the shivers! (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ague

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'one the shivers' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'though socially acceptable in time it' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'acceptable' could be 'u' (as in U and non-U speech) and 'u' is present in the answer.
'time' could be 'age' (an age is a period of time) and 'age' is found within the remaining letters.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'gives' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ague that I've seen before include "Feverish illness" , "Feverish chill" , "met with cheek in Twelfth Night" , "Feverish fit" , "Old word for fever" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News and The Telegraph.
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