Animal in a role that gives limited protection (7)
I believe the answer is:
parapet
'animal in a role that gives limited protection' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.
'animal in a role' is the wordplay.
'animal' becomes 'ape' (ape is a kind of animal).
'in' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'a role' becomes 'part' (eg a part or role in a film).
'ape' inserted into 'part' is 'PARAPET'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for parapet that I've seen before include "Rooftop wall" , "Low protective wall along edge of roof or bridge" , "Balcony railing" , "wall, protective one" , "Defensive wall" .)