Primate in a role that offers limited protection (7)
I believe the answer is:
parapet
'primate in a role that offers limited protection' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how one could define the other.
'primate in a role' is the wordplay.
'primate' becomes 'ape' (large primate).
'in' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'a role' becomes 'part' (eg a part or role in a film).
'ape' going within 'part' is 'PARAPET'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for parapet that I've seen before include "Low wall round edge of balcony" , "Rooftop wall" , "Low barrier edging balcony" , "Wall, a low sort" , "Roof-edge wall" .)