Crossword Genius

Is the possessor of topless dresses (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

owns

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'is the possessor' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'topless dresses' is the wordplay.
'topless' means to remove the first letter.
'dresses' becomes 'gowns' (gown is a kind of dress).
'gowns' with its first letter taken away is 'OWNS'.

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for owns that I've seen before include "Belongs to" , "Has possession of by right" , "uses" , "Admits possession" , "Possesses" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian, The Globe and Mail and The Irish Independent.
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