A means to an end (4)
![Ross](/clue/static/ross-mug.min.png)
I believe the answer is:
tool
'a means to an end' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for tool that I've seen before include "For example, saw" , "Person used by another" , "Instrument, implement" , "Pawn" , "Device, implement" .)