Crossword Genius

Left former revered figure a dictionary? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lexicon

'a dictionary?' is the definition.
('lexicon' can be a synonym of 'dictionary')

'left former revered figure' is the wordplay.
'left' becomes 'L' (common abbreviation).
'former' becomes 'ex' (prefix meaning former or onetime).
'revered figure' becomes 'icon' (an icon is a celebrated figure).
'l'+'ex'+'icon'='LEXICON'

(Other definitions for lexicon that I've seen before include "reference work?" , "Dictionary of terms" , "Vocabulary - dictionary" , "Dictionary, especially of ancient languages" , "(Classical) dictionary" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app