Mephisto 2692

[Mampara]

I have filled a lot of the grid but cannot identify the four undefined clues.

I'm not looking for answers but if someone could give me the relevant clue numbers & a hint to the 'shaded' word I'd be grateful.

[kayakamina]

The 4 clues lacking definition are-
1a , 31a , 9d , 17d

If you 'translate' the group you should find a horizontal link.

[magistra]

I figured out the clues lacking definition and have found a linkword that is spread between 2 horizontal rows. Can this be right?

[kayakamina]

Yes.

One letter from one clue + five from the next.

[magistra]

I'm obviously not on the right lines then. I've got 4 letters on one row, then the other 2 letters 2 rows lower.

[roslyn251254]

I've got them all on row 5?

[kayakamina]

The end of 15a + all of 16a.

[magistra]

oh! I've got it at last. Very appropriate!

[MacSNaP]

1 across; 9 down; 17 down & 31 across are all clues without definitions. They all derive from fish. After that I'm stumped.

[kayakamina]

They are all French fish.

Think of the French word for fish and apply it to the end of 16a.