Crossword Genius

A dog, perhaps, under standard defensive structure (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

parapet

'defensive structure' is the definition.
(parapet is a kind of defensive structure)

'a dog perhaps under standard' is the wordplay.
'dog perhaps' becomes 'pet'.
'under' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'standard' becomes 'par' (standard of play in golf).
'a'+'pet'='apet'
'apet' put after 'par' is 'PARAPET'.

(Other definitions for parapet that I've seen before include "Defensive line" , "balustrade" , "form of protection" , "place of safety?" , "wall, protective one" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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