Crossword Genius

College splitting in two parts for nobleman (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ducal

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'college splitting in two parts for nobleman' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'college splitting in two parts' is the wordplay.
'college' becomes 'c'.
'splitting' means one lot of letters goes inside another (some letters split a word into two).
'in two parts' becomes 'dual' (in two parts).
'c' going inside 'dual' is 'DUCAL'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ducal that I've seen before include "Relating to one level of nobility" , "Like a nobleman" , "Relating to a duke" , "Pertaining to a duke" , "Fit for the highest rank of nobility" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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