Stout gangster approaches women aboard launch (8)
I believe the answer is:
stalwart
'stout' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'gangster approaches women aboard launch' is the wordplay.
'gangster' becomes 'al' (Al Capone).
'approaches' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'women' becomes 'w'.
'aboard' is an insertion indicator.
'launch' becomes 'start' (I've seen this before).
'al'+'w'='alw'
'alw' placed within 'start' is 'STALWART'.
(Other definitions for stalwart that I've seen before include "Walt's rat is strong and brave" , "Determined" , "Reliable; sturdy" , "Loyal servant" , "Sturdy, tenacious and tough" .)