What a chap might call an expensive woman (4)
I believe the answer is:
dear
'expensive woman' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'what a chap might call' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'a' is present in the answer.
'chap' could be 'der' and 'der' is found within the remaining letters.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
'an' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for dear that I've seen before include "pet > ducks" , "Baby" , "Beloved or costly" , "Overpriced" , "Needing plenty of bread" .)