Sailor possibly low in cigarettes (3)

I believe the answer is:

tar

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'sailor' is the definition.
(slang term for a sailor)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for tar that I've seen before include "It paves the way" , "not put on ship in proverbial case of false economy?" , "Sticky stuff for a kind of sailor" , "It may cover the road" , "Sticky substance - seaman" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian and The Globe and Mail.

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