Crossword Genius

Was of service when a few were sick (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

availed

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

'was of service' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'a few were sick' is the wordplay.
'few' becomes 'v'.
'were sick' becomes 'ailed' ('ail' can be a synonym of 'be sick').
'a'+'v'+'ailed'='AVAILED'

'when' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for availed that I've seen before include "Profited from" , "Helped" , "Used to one's advantage" , "Used, put into service" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.