Less weighty article right outside tavern (7)

I believe the answer is:

thinner

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

'less weighty' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'article right outside tavern' is the wordplay.
'article' becomes 'the' (the definite article in English).
'right' becomes 'r' (common abbreviation).
'outside' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'tavern' becomes 'inn' (I've seen this before).
'the'+'r'='ther'
'ther' enclosing 'inn' is 'THINNER'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for thinner that I've seen before include "Slimmer" , "less chubby" , "More flimsy" , "Skinnier" , "Slenderer" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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.