Crossword Genius

Forgive a bishop's crack (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

absolve

'forgive' is the definition.
(absolving is a kind of forgiving)

'a bishop's crack' is the wordplay.
'bishop' becomes 'b' (abbreviation used in chess).
'crack' becomes 'solve' (I've seen this before).
'a'+'b'+'solve'='ABSOLVE'

(Other definitions for absolve that I've seen before include "Forgive sins" , "Lob vase (anag.)" , "Discharge" , "Declare (someone) free of guilt" , "Grant remission of sins" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian and The Telegraph.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app