Crossword Genius

Hirsute poet out East (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

beard

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

'hirsute poet out east' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'poet out east' is the wordplay.
'poet' becomes 'bard' (bard is a kind of poet).
'out' indicates putting letters inside.
'east' becomes 'e' (abbreviation).
'bard' going around 'e' is 'BEARD'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for beard that I've seen before include "where food sometimes trapped?" , "Facial hair" , "In good health; very" , "Hair on the chin" , "Whiskers" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app