Crossword Genius

US city railway dispensing with silver leaf (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

chicory

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'dispensing with silver leaf' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'us city railway' is the wordplay.
'us city' becomes 'chico' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'railway' becomes 'ry' (abbreviation).
'chico'+'ry'='CHICORY'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for chicory that I've seen before include "Plant with edible salad leaves" , "Plant used instead of coffee" , "Root used as a coffee substitute" , "used in salads" , "Vegetable used with coffee" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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