Boyfriend removes a ton from French vessel (4)
I believe the answer is:
beau
'boyfriend' is the definition.
(synonyms)
I don't understand the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for beau that I've seen before include "An archaic boy-friend like Brummel" , "Admirer; fop, dandy" , "One loving" , "An old boy friend or dandy" , "Male suitor - dandy" .)