A time to abandon assault course (4)

I believe the answer is:

tack

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'course' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'a time to abandon assault' is the wordplay.
'a time' becomes 't' (abbreviation).
'to abandon assault' becomes 'ack' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
't'+'ack'='TACK'

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(Other definitions for tack that I've seen before include "Small nail with broad head" , "Cheap material; nail" , "Nail - direction (eg of boat)" , "Nail - windward course - temporary stitch" , "Rubbishy things" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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