Crossword Genius

Fantasy author stripped device with teeth (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ratchet

'device with teeth' is the definition.
(type of tool)

'fantasy author stripped' is the wordplay.
'fantasy author' becomes 'Pratchett' (fantasy author Terry Pratchett).
'stripped' says to take the centre (outside letters removed).
The centre of 'pratchett' is 'RATCHET'.

(Other definitions for ratchet that I've seen before include "Device stopping backward movement" , "Bar that fits into the notches of a toothed wheel" , "One-way-motion toothed wheel" , "Mechanism with a toothed bar or wheel" , "Device forcing motion in one direction" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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