Blade peeled apple peelings (4)
I believe the answer is:
epee
'blade' is the definition.
(I know that epee is a type of blade)
'peeled apple peelings' is the wordplay.
'peeled' says the answer is hidden in the clue (some letters peeled off to reveal the answer).
'EPEE' can be found hidden inside 'apple peelings'.
(Other definitions for epee that I've seen before include "It may offer riposte" , "piece of fencing" , "Fencing sword, heavier than a foil" , "Fighting blade" , "Sharp-pointed duelling sword" .)