Crossword Genius

Officers' room in a state (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mess

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This could be a double definition.

'officers room' is the first definition.
'mess' can be an answer for 'room' (mess is a kind of room). I'm not sure about the 'officers' bit.

'state' is the second definition.
(in a state means in a mess)

'in a' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for mess that I've seen before include "Eating place" , "Where sailors eat" , "Communal dining room" , "dirty and unpleasant" , "Where those who serve eat" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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