Crossword Genius

Large snake’s scaling device (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ladder

'scaling device' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'large snake's' is the wordplay.
'large' becomes 'l'.
'snake' becomes 'adder' (adder is a kind of snake).
'l'+'adder'='LADDER'

(Other definitions for ladder that I've seen before include "Scaling device" , "sort of tournament" , "Climbing aid" , "Climbing structure" , "A fire-fighter may use one" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
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