Crossword Genius

Characters found in Snow helping a young child (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

whelp

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

'a young child' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how they can define each other.

'characters found in snow helping' is the wordplay.
'WHELP' is hidden within the letters.
But, I'm uncertain how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for whelp that I've seen before include "Have puppies" , "Cur" , "part of litter" , "Young pup" , "Boy!" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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