Crossword Genius

Caught heron hiding head in wooden box with strings (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cittern

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'wooden box with strings' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'caught heron hiding head' is the wordplay.
'caught' becomes 'c' (cricket abbreviation).
'heron' becomes 'bittern' (bittern is a kind of heron).
'hiding head' means to remove the first letter.
'bittern' with its initial letter taken off is 'ittern'.
'c'+'ittern'='CITTERN'

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for cittern that I've seen is " it used to be plucked".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.