Crossword Genius

Queen, potentially, with even less money for merchant? (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pawnbroker

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

'merchant?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'queen potentially with even less money' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'queen' could be 'er' (short for Elizabeth Regina ie Queen Elizabeth) and 'er' is located in the answer.
'with' could be 'w' (abbreviation) and 'w' is located in the answer.
'money' could be 'p' and 'p' is located in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'for' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pawnbroker that I've seen before include "His sign is three balls" , "Money-lender" , "One who does business" , "One lending against deposited goods" , "shopkeeper" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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