Crossword Genius

Had meal of pasties, regularly (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ate

'had meal' is the definition.
(I've seen this in other clues)

'pasties regularly' is the wordplay.
'regularly' means one should take alternating letters (regularly take one letter, leave next etc.).
The alternate letters of 'pasties' are 'ATE'.

'of' is the link.

(Other definitions for ate that I've seen before include "Greek goddess of mischief" , "Bolted" , "mischief-maker" , "included in one's diet" , "Took food" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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