Wading bird lacking finish, so we hear (4)
I believe the answer is:
ruff
'wading bird' is the definition.
(ruff is a kind of wading bird)
I don't understand the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ruff that I've seen before include "Frilly collar" , "Eurasian sandpiper -- Australian fish" , "High tight collar" , "Circular pleated collar - trump" , "Pleated frill worn round the neck" .)