Crossword Genius

Understand old king has a snake (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

grasp

'understand' is the definition.
(I know that grasp is a kind of the understand)

'old king has a snake' is the wordplay.
'old king' becomes 'GR' (Georgius Rex, Latin for King George).
'has' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'a snake' becomes 'asp' (asp is a kind of snake).
'gr'+'asp'='GRASP'

(Other definitions for grasp that I've seen before include "Support; rugby player" , "Clutch" , "Take firm hold" , "Catch on" , "Seize, hold firmly" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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