Times Jumbo Cryptic 1047

[Mamyalynne]

Now then, maybe you clever lot can help me with a parse for....

57a Before having died, it may appear, given a wooden frame. (4-8) H?L?-T?M?E?E?

answer is obviously

Half-Timbered

The word play largely evades me.

Thanks for any help.

[bibblebub]

all i can think is that before = ERE, died = D, and ERED is half (of the word) timbERED

[Mamyalynne]

Thanks Bibble, a bit weak from them - but I do believe you have it.

Ta :-)

[bibblebub]

i'm quite open to any other suggestions

[Mamyalynne]

I am happy with that, dreadful to have one going round in your head all evening, do far too many at the weekend I think.

[Poisson]

Times jumbo no.1047,57across---ere d is 'before having died', half of timb is 'it', all meaning wooden frame. poisson