Crossword Genius

Went with Santander's original rate (5)

Ross

I think it could be either:

speed

spend

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But I've got no explanation for this one! Could you help me understand?

(Other definitions for spend that I've seen before include "Part with money" , "Use up (one's resources)" , "Pay out or use up" , "Use (money etc)" , "Blow" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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