Staunch (4)

I think it could be either:

avid

stem

'staunch' is the definition.
(I know that staunch can be written as stem)

This is the entire clue.

(Other definitions for stem that I've seen before include "Main stalk of a plant" , "Block" , "Flower's stick" , "Hold back - stock - check" , "Slender upright part, of flower or wineglass" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard, The Guardian, The Independent and The Telegraph.

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