Famous topless bird possessed (8)

I believe the answer is:

renowned

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'famous' is the definition.
(I know that famous can be written as renowned)

'topless bird possessed' is the wordplay.
'topless bird' becomes 'ren' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'possessed' becomes 'owned' ('own' can be a synonym of 'possess').
'ren'+'owned'='RENOWNED'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for renowned that I've seen before include "Widely known/respected" , "Widely known and esteemed" , "Famed" , "Famous, celebrated" , "Widely respected" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.

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