Skin used as leather tears (9)
I believe the answer is:
crocodile
This might be a double definition.
'skin' is the first definition.
The definition and answer can be both animals as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'leather tears' is the second definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how one could define the other.
'used as' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for crocodile that I've seen before include "Large aquatic reptile" , "Vicious beast" , "handbag material?" , "Insincere show of sorrow" , "Large river reptile" .)