Crossword Genius

Around edges of woods deer look for water (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dowse

'look for water' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'around edges of woods deer' is the wordplay.
'around' is an insertion indicator.
'edges of' suggests removing the centre.
'deer' becomes 'doe' (female deer).
'woods' with its middle removed is 'ws'.
'ws' placed inside 'doe' is 'DOWSE'.

(Other definitions for dowse that I've seen before include "Seek water with stick" , "Search for water using hazel twig" , "put fire out" , "twitch" , "Extinguish" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app