Crossword Genius

French banker fit to be tried in hearing (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

seine

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'french banker' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how they can define each other.

'fit to be tried in hearing' is the wordplay.
'fit to be tried' becomes 'sane' (I've seen this in another clue).
'in hearing' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'sane' sounds like 'SEINE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for seine that I've seen before include "Paris river" , "Second longest river in France" , "French river -- type of fishing net" , "Parisian river" , "Paris's river" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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