Crossword Genius

Pointed coverage of an idiot? (6,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dunces cap

'pointed coverage' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how they can define each other.

'an idiot?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'an' could be 'a' and 'a' is found in the answer.
'idiot?' could be 'dunce' (I've seen this in another clue) and 'dunce' is located in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'of' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for dunces cap that I've seen before include "Classroom idiot's headgear" , "Headgear used to humiliate slow learners" , "Ignorant boy's headgear" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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