Burn cabbage, with no defence (4)

I believe the answer is:

char

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'burn' is the definition.
(charring is a kind of burning)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for char that I've seen before include "Overcook - fish - daily" , "One cleans" , "Partially burn; fish" , "Perhaps overheat" , "'Mrs Mopp'" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.

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