Crossword Genius

Shot at table in a crowd hasn’t died (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

masse

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'shot' is the definition.
(I know that masse is a type of shot)

'table in a crowd hasn't died' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'a' is found in the answer.
'crowd' could be 'm' and 'm' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'sse' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'at' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for masse that I've seen before include "'En ..., all together (5)'" , "Swerving snooker stroke" , "Swerve shot at billiards" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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