Crossword Genius

Peas mashed in church area (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

apse

'church area' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'peas mashed' is the wordplay.
'mashed' indicates anagramming the letters.
'peas' anagrammed gives 'APSE'.

'in' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for apse that I've seen before include "Semicircular recess in church" , "Recess with domed rof in a church" , "Recess at eastern end of a church" , "Offshoot from the choir, nave or aisle in a church" , "may be seen in church!" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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