Crossword Genius

Check a king; a German one (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rein

'check' is the definition.
(both can mean to control or limit)

'a king a german one' is the wordplay.
'a king' becomes 'R' (abbreviation for rex, king in Latin).
'a german one' becomes 'ein' (I've seen this in another clue).
'r'+'ein'='REIN'

(Other definitions for rein that I've seen before include "Check; control" , "Restriction" , "Restraining lead" , "Curb" , "A means of control" .)

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