Edge chipped off delicate china (3)
I believe the answer is:
pal
'china' is the definition.
(china plate is Cockney rhyming slang for mate)
I can't explain the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for pal that I've seen before include "Brother" , "Bud" , "Buddy, chum" , "Close friend" , "Mate, informal friend" .)