Kitty gets started with one in the canteen (4)
I believe the answer is:
ante
'kitty gets started' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.
'with one in the canteen' is the wordplay.
'with' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'ANTE' is hidden in the letters of 'in canteen'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ante that I've seen before include "early payment" , "Pre-deal stake" , "Stake, bet" , "Poker pot starter" , "Initial contribution to the common pot" .)