Crossword Genius

Nut's joint presence as principal (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

headship

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

'presence as principal' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'nut's joint' is the wordplay.
'nut's' becomes 'head's' (I've seen this in other clues).
'joint' becomes 'hip' (hip is a kind of joint).
'heads'+'hip'='HEADSHIP'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for headship that I've seen before include "Top job in school" , "Rugby position filled by Arnold" , "leading position" , "some teachers aspire to?" , "position of principal" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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.