Crossword Genius

26 French spears dealt with intruder (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

trespasser

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'intruder' is the definition.
('trespasser' can be a synonym of 'intruder')

'26 french spears dealt' is the wordplay.
'r6 french' becomes 'tres' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'dealt' indicates an anagram.
'spears' with letters rearranged gives 'passer'.
'tres'+'passer'='TRESPASSER'

'with' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for trespasser that I've seen before include "One entering land without permission" , "Illegal enterer of land" , "one of a number praying for forgiveness?" , "One unlawfully entering another's land" , "Uninvited visitor" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.