Crossword Genius

Topless harlots in etching and painting? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

arts

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

'etching and painting?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'topless harlots' is the wordplay.
'topless' means to remove the first letter.
'harlots' becomes 'tarts' ('tart' can be a synonym of 'harlot').
'tarts' with its initial letter taken away is 'ARTS'.

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for arts that I've seen before include "Aesthetic products for star" , "Wiles, skills" , "Literature, music etc." , "Poetry, music, painting etc." , "Eg, painting, sculpture" .)

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