Crossword Genius

Tip on triangular sword's conical housing (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tepee

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

'conical housing' is the definition.
'tepee' can be an answer for 'housing' (tepee is a kind of housing). I'm not certain of the 'conical' bit.

'tip on triangular sword's' is the wordplay.
'tip on' becomes 't' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'triangular sword' becomes 'epee' (I've seen this in another clue).
't'+'epee'='TEPEE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tepee that I've seen before include "Wigwam" , "Native American dwelling" , "Wherein Sioux" , "temporary shelter" , "Conical tent" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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