Crossword Genius

She entertains great numbers outside quarters (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hostess

'she entertains' is the definition.
(someone who is entertaining or hosting guests)

'great numbers outside quarters' is the wordplay.
'great numbers' becomes 'hosts' (I've seen this in another clue).
'outside' means one lot of letters goes inside another (some letters go outside others).
'quarters' becomes 'es'.
'hosts' placed around 'es' is 'HOSTESS'.

(Other definitions for hostess that I've seen before include "She entertains guests" , "Lady with guests" , "Mistress of ceremonies" , "who welcomes guests?" , "She looks after guests" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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