Scots own what the captain can do without (3)
I believe the answer is:
ain
'scots' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are adjectives, I cannot see how they can define each other.
'own what the captain can do without' is the wordplay.
'AIN' is hidden in amongst the letters.
However, I am not sure how this is indicated.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ain that I've seen before include "26 [ ]" , "Own (Scot)" , "The Scot's own" , "Your own in Scottish dialect" , "Glaswegian personal" .)