Crossword Genius

Friend who made Palgrave less solemn? (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pal

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

'friend who' is the definition.
'pal' can be an answer for 'friend' (pal can mean a friend). I am unsure of the rest of the definition.

'palgrave less solemn?' is the wordplay.
'less' is a deletion indicator.
'solemn?' becomes 'grave' (grave can mean solemn or serious).
'palgrave' with 'grave' taken out is 'PAL'.

'made' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pal that I've seen before include "China" , "Bud" , "Friend (colloq.)" , "Crony" , "Mate, informal friend" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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