Crossword Genius

Chap has one chief (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

main

'chief' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'chap has one' is the wordplay.
'chap' becomes 'man' (chap can mean a man).
'has' is an insertion indicator.
'one' becomes 'i' (Roman numeral).
'man' placed around 'i' is 'MAIN'.

(Other definitions for main that I've seen before include "Most important element" , "Foremost" , "Principal or high seas" , "Most important - high seas?" , "source of gas" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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.