Trifle son removed from spread (4)

I believe the answer is:
play
'trifle' is the definition.
(thesaurus)
I don't understand the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for play that I've seen before include "Theatrical production" , "Have fun -- theatrical work" , "Theatre production" , "Participate in games or sport" , "Drama; engage in games" .)
