Crossword Genius

Knickers don't abrade much (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

underwear

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

'much' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

'knickers don't abrade' is the wordplay.
'knickers don't' becomes 'under' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'abrade' becomes 'wear' (I've seen this in another clue).
'under'+'wear'='UNDERWEAR'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for underwear that I've seen before include "slips, perhaps" , "Endure war about smalls" , "Garments worn next to the skin" , "Possibly slips" , "Nether garments" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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