Crossword Genius

What may replace toes here (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

shoetree

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'what may replace toes here' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how one could define the other.

'replace toes here' is the wordplay.
'replace' indicates anagramming the letters (I've seen 'replaced' mean this).
'toes'+'here'='toeshere'
'toeshere' is an anagram of 'SHOETREE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for shoetree that I've seen before include "A shaped block for holding footwear" , "Shaped block for keeping footwear in condition" , "It preserves the shape of footwear" , "Device put into footwear to maintain shape" , "Device to keep footwear in good shape" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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