The mien of an absolutely topping redhead (3)
![Ross](/clue/static/ross-mug.min.png)
I believe the answer is:
air
'the mien' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'an absolutely topping redhead' is the wordplay.
'an' becomes 'i' (Roman numeral for one).
'absolutely' becomes 'a' (this could be a standard abbreviation I've not previously seen).
'topping' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'redhead' becomes 'r' (the head letter of red).
'i' put after 'a' is 'ai'.
'ai'+'r'='AIR'
'of' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for air that I've seen before include "distinctive quality" , "Broadcast; atmosphere" , "voice giving > impression" , "Cool" , "A number" .)