Require massage, you say? (4)

I believe the answer is:

need

'require' is the definition.
(I know that require can be written as need)

'massage you say?' is the wordplay.
'massage' becomes 'knead' (synonyms).
'you say?' shows a homophone (sound like).
'knead' sounds like 'NEED'.

(Other definitions for need that I've seen before include "Penury" , "Want - require(ment)" , "Necessity" , "destitute state" , "Call" .)

I've seen this clue in The Everyman puzzle in The Observer.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app