Crossword Genius

Chaucer's first poem needs deciphering (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

code

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

'needs deciphering' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'chaucer's first poem' is the wordplay.
'chaucer's first' becomes 'c' (ost letter of 'chaucer').
'poem' becomes 'ode' (ode is a kind of poem).
'c'+'ode'='CODE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for code that I've seen before include "difficult to read" , "See 21 Across" , "Ethical standards" , "Method of secret communication" , "Eg, Morse" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app