Mephisto

[Bozzer]

18 down Jumper that's rank becoming more rank. (7)

8 have RO-T--R

And 30 across might then become clear and I will have finished

Thanks

[Neveracrossword]

18 Rootier - Roo/jumper and tier/rank/row.

[Bozzer]

Thank you. I thought it must be but it is not in chambers unless I am looking in the wrong place. I think this gives Ariel for 30 across. And how do you parse "Rootle" for 9 down "Footballer could get flab with this grub".

[dannyk13]

Rootle - ( to gub) anagram of footballer - flab

[dannyk13]

sorry to grub not gub

[Bozzer]

Ah! Thank you very much. And found "rooty" in Chambers so suppose rootier is the comparative.

[Neveracrossword]

The word 'rootier' is actually in Chambers (under 'root'). It can mean 'rank' as well as the more usual 'abounding in, consisting of, or like roots.'

[Bozzer]

Thank you. I have the 1998 edition and can find rooty meaning rank but not rootier. Do I need a newer edition (or am I blind?).

[Neveracrossword]

Sorry, Bozzer - it's my misreading of the dictionary that's at fault! Your 'rooty' and suggestion of 'rootier' as the comparative was right - I'd just zoomed in on 'rootier' actually being shown in my dictionary.