Crossword Genius

Brave girl over large insect (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gallant

'brave' is the definition.
('gallant' can be similar in meaning to 'brave')

'girl over large insect' is the wordplay.
'girl' becomes 'gal' ('gal' can be a synonym of 'girl'**).
'over' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'large' becomes 'l'.
'insect' becomes 'ant' (ant is a kind of insect).
'gal'+'l'+'ant'='GALLANT'

(Other definitions for gallant that I've seen before include "Dandy" , "Courageous - politely attentive to women" , "lover" , "Valiant; courteous" , "Honourable - chivalrous - suitor" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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