Some master never strict (5)

I believe the answer is:

stern

'strict' is the definition.
(I know that strict can be written as stern)

'some master never' is the wordplay.
'some' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue (some parts of the word are used).
'STERN' is hidden within 'master never'.

(Other definitions for stern that I've seen before include "Rear end" , "Austere rear part of a ship?" , "Severe in the rear of the ship?" , "Inflexible; back" , "Unpleasantly serious" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.

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