Crossword Genius

Third man shares cell with fat old philosopher and lover (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

abelard

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'lover' is the definition.
(I have seen 'Lover of Heloise ' mean 'abelard' so perhaps 'lover' could also mean 'abelard')

'third man shares cell with fat old philosopher' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'man' could be 'abel' (I have seen 'Third Man' mean 'abel' so perhaps 'man' could also mean 'abel') and 'abel' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'ard' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'and' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for abelard that I've seen before include "12th century monk" , "French cleric" , "French philosopher" , "He loved Heloise" , "Lover of Heloise" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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