A bad habit can be gripping (4)

I believe the answer is:

vice

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'a bad habit' is the definition.
(a sin or weakness)

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for vice that I've seen before include "Strong gripper" , "In place of - depravity" , "Wrong" , "Fault - gripping tool" , "Wicked habit" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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