Appropriate strength of character shown by speaker (5)

I believe the answer is:

steal

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'appropriate' is the definition.
(appropriate can mean to steal)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for steal that I've seen before include "pirate" , "Walk off with" , "crib" , "Lift - pocket" , "Rob" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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