Crossword Genius

Dickens character’s signally timely contribution (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pip

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'signally timely contribution' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how one could define the other.

'dickens character's' is the wordplay.
'dickens' becomes 'pi' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'character' becomes 'p'.
'pi'+'p'='PIP'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pip that I've seen before include "Dickens hero" , "Small hard seed" , "one signals lieutenant" , "Win (just)" , "Dickensian hero" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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