Accomplice describes closure of ear piercing (6)

I believe the answer is:

shrill

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'ear piercing' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for shrill that I've seen before include "Of sound, piercing and high-pitched" , "(Of a cry) piercing" , "High-pitched and sharp" , "Loud and high-pitched" , "High and piercing" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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