Could be Alec from Mechlin (4)

I believe the answer is:

lace

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

'mechlin' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'could be alec' is the wordplay.
'could be' indicates an anagram.
'alec' with letters rearranged gives 'LACE'.

'from' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lace that I've seen before include "Spike - ornamental fabric" , "Shoe string" , "Famous play ''Arsenic and Old . . . .''" , "Shoe tie" , "Fortify with spirits; open fabric" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.