Word before "boss" or "bull" (3)
I believe the answer is:
pit
'word before boss or bull' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for pit that I've seen before include "Coal mine" , "Tip into miners' shaft" , "Match (one's wits); mine" , "Large hole; mine" , "Portland stone" .)