Crossword Genius

Dickens's old fool (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bozo

'fool' is the definition.
(bozo can mean a foolish person)

'dickens's old' is the wordplay.
'dickens' becomes 'boz' (I've seen this in another clue).
'old' becomes 'o' (abbreviation).
'boz'+'o'='BOZO'

(Other definitions for bozo that I've seen before include "Clot" , "American chap" , "Dimwit" , "twit" , "Stupid man (US)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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.