DT Cryptic 25277 - Wednesday

[bangor]

Could someone please explain the reasoning behind 17 across - Settled by male had showing flexibility = Litheness. I understand the male = he, head = ness, but why the Lit

[kettledrum]

light / lit is being used here in the sense of to alight, settle or rest.

[slaney]

Lit as in landed or settled

[bangor]

Thank you kettledrum. Now I see it.

[bangor]

Thanks also to you slaney.