Mean to trim the end off (3)
I believe the answer is:
par
'mean' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'trim the end off' is the wordplay.
'trim' becomes 'pare' (synonyms).
'the end off' means to remove the last letter.
'pare' with its final letter taken off is 'PAR'.
'to' is the link.
(Other definitions for par that I've seen before include "Accepted level" , "standard for a pro" , "Norm" , "Rap to get even" , "Average - equality" .)