Crossword Genius

Argument as result of being oddly selective in formal clause (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

fracas

'argument' is the definition.
(I know that fracas is a type of dustup)

'being oddly selective in formal clause' is the wordplay.
'being oddly selective in' means one should take alternating letters (letters in odd-numbered positions are selected).
'formal'+'clause'='formalclause'
The alternating letters of 'formalclause' are 'FRACAS'.

'as result of' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for fracas that I've seen before include "Free-for-all" , "Scrap" , "A scarf (anag)" , "Brawl, disturbance" , "Fight" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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