Crossword Genius

Painting in expensive French drawer, say? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

charter

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

'drawer say?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how one could define the other.

'painting in expensive french' is the wordplay.
'painting' becomes 'art' (I've seen this before).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'expensive french' becomes 'cher' ('expensive' in French).
'art' going into 'cher' is 'CHARTER'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for charter that I've seen before include "The hiring of a ship, plane or vehicle" , "Hire (of aircraft/ship)" , "Let or hire a ship or plane" , "Contract to lease transportation" , "Right or privilege" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
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