Crossword Genius

Fine pitcher is down in numbers … (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

fewer

'down in numbers' is the definition.
(fewer in number)

'fine pitcher' is the wordplay.
'fine' becomes 'f' (abbreviation in pencil classifications).
'pitcher' becomes 'ewer' (synonyms).
'f'+'ewer'='FEWER'

'is' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for fewer that I've seen before include "Reduced" , "in smaller numbers" , "smaller number of people" , "Less in number" , "Not so many" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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