Crossword Genius

A little vibrator was liberating with fellow away (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

reed

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

'a little vibrator' is the definition.
'reed' can be an answer for 'vibrator' (I've seen this before). I am unsure of the 'a little' bit.

'liberating with fellow away' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'fellow' could be 'ed' (short for Edward) and 'ed' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 're' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'was' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for reed that I've seen before include "'It vibrates in a clarinet, say (4)'" , "Oliver perhaps" , "Stalk" , "Tall grass of wet areas" , "Marsh or water plant" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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