Crossword Genius

Friend and Monsieur dined (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mate

'friend' is the definition.
(mate is a kind of friend)

'monsieur dined' is the wordplay.
'monsieur' becomes 'm'.
'dined' becomes 'ate'.
'm'+'ate'='MATE'

'and' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for mate that I've seen before include "China" , "Spouse or informal friend" , "Match" , "assistant" , "Better half" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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