Pale as a layer of eggs (5)

I believe the answer is:

ashen

'pale' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'as a layer of eggs' is the wordplay.
'a layer of eggs' becomes 'hen' (I've seen this in another clue).
'as'+'hen'='ASHEN'

(Other definitions for ashen that I've seen before include "Pallid like fire residue" , "Pale (with shock/illness)" , "Bloodless" , "Visibly shocked" , "Looking pale from illness" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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