Spectator 2046

[decarabas]

Where's the apostrophe? I finished the puzzle and I can't see which answer is supposed to include an apostrophe. Does Doc think there's one in 'hers'? Or am I just blind?

[Mampara]

I think it is 41a

[factor-fiction]

What was the answer to 41a please?
I don't do this crossword- I'm just interested in apostrophes.

[factor-fiction]

There will never be an apostrophe in HERS

[Mampara]

los'te

[factor-fiction]

Thanks. What does LOS'TE mean?

[Mampara]

The clue was ' Spenser unfastened shabby stole' (5)

Therefore LOS'TE (anagram stole) and Spenserian past participle of LOOSE
(unfastened)

[factor-fiction]

Thanks. Thank goodness the English language evolves and we don't still write in Spenserian English

[decarabas]

Thanks. I got the answer - the letters anyway - but it never occurred to me there might be an apostrophe in that word. And a strange looking word it is! I'm relieved to know Doc didn't commit a solecism. I have always respected him a lot, even if his puzzles tend to be easier than other setters' efforts. He's been around as long as I've been doing the Spectator puzzles (well, Jac was still a solo act for a few months at the start I seem to recall), and I hope he remains for many years to come.