Crossword Genius

Mark, the stand-in deprived of a part (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stain

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'mark' is the definition.
(I know that mark can be written as stain)

'stand-in deprived of a part' is the wordplay.
'stand in deprived of' becomes 'st' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'part' becomes 'in part' (synonyms).
'st'+'a'+'in'='STAIN'

'the' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for stain that I've seen before include "Stigma" , "Smear" , "Mark with colour, dirt" , "Black mark for saint" , "Spot - shame" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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