Crossword Genius

Not a description of a housekeeper? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

homeless

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

'description of a housekeeper?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'not a' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'not' could be 'less' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'less' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'home' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for homeless that I've seen before include "Having lost Villa" , "Living on the streets" , "Lacking a roof over one's head" , "unsettled" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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