Crossword Genius

Lady's incomplete pattern (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

norm

'pattern' is the definition.
(I have seen 'Typical pattern' mean 'norm' so perhaps 'pattern' could also mean 'norm')

'lady's incomplete' is the wordplay.
'lady' becomes 'norma' (I've seen this before).
'incomplete' means to remove the last letter.
'norma' with its last letter removed is 'NORM'.

(Other definitions for norm that I've seen before include "Benchmark" , "Standard, average" , "Standard level of performance" , "Expected standard" , "Standard considered to be representative" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.