Cryptic Crossword Clue

[Gittins Gal]

Got one clue left to solve and I'm 99% certain I know the answer.

The clue is "Smear Tory cut short by runs" (4).

I have: _L_R and the answer surely has to be slur.

Can't make it fit the clue, though, other than the fact it means smear.

Anyone?

[Grasser73]

I would go for BLUR. Tory is BLUE hence BLU(E)R.

[Gittins Gal]

I would go for BLUR. Tory is BLUE hence BLU(E)R.

Yes! That's it thanks (funny how you get blinded once you get a word in your mind)

I'll let you have a timeshare on the gold fountain pen if I win!