Crossword Genius

Fat cat initially getting rich without right (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

corpulent

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

'fat' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'cat initially getting rich without right' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'right' could be 'r' (common abbreviation) and 'r' is located in the answer.
'rich' could be 'opulent' (similar in meaning) and 'opulent' is found within the leftover letters.
A single letter 'c' remains which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for corpulent that I've seen before include "Big" , "Plump" , "bloated" , "Having a bulky body, fat" , "Rotund, obese" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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