Crossword Genius

Chum protecting artist, thus providing cover (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

parasol

'cover' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'chum protecting artist thus' is the wordplay.
'chum' becomes 'pal' (both can mean a friend).
'protecting' means one lot of letters goes inside another (inserted letters are held or protected).
'artist' becomes 'RA' (Royal Academician, member of Royal Academy of Arts).
'thus' becomes 'so' (synonyms).
'ra'+'so'='raso'
'pal' enclosing 'raso' is 'PARASOL'.

'providing' is the link.

(Other definitions for parasol that I've seen before include "Sunshade" , "Desert Shield?" , "Light umbrella giving shade from sun" , "It's put up to provide shade" , "aeroplane" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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