`3d: Thing legally cut about essential colleges (7) I've got CHONE_S Even for Mephisto this seems strange, and Chambers doesn't help. The N is the least certain of the letters in situ. Any offers? This is the last one to complete.
Thanks, swannbaker. Looks like the K gives an answer to the other clue that I'd previously rejected, because it gives a word which I understand to cause offence. I like your reasoning for chokeys, though.
Sam
I had the same problem, having naps as the answer to 13ac, without being able to explain why. I had not even considered the proper answer which I agree is one which might cause offence.
Mephisto does from time to time have indicators and solutions (and/or parts of solutions) that may be a bit risqu� or off-colour. Hence the name Mephisto, really.
I'd guess (I don't buy the paper and Mephisto's no longer free on-line) that this week's compiler is Mike Laws.
Offensive? Well, only if you're inclined to drawing up your skirts and screaming hysterically at the sight of a (possibly nude or politically incorrect) mouse, to be honest.