Crossword Genius

Call a halt to chap leaving dispatches (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

desist

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'call a halt to chap leaving dispatches' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'call a halt to chap' is the wordplay.
'call a halt' becomes 'ist' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'to' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other) (I've seen this in other clues).
'chap' becomes 'Des'.
'ist' after 'des' is 'DESIST'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for desist that I've seen before include "Stop (doing something)" , "'Refrain from, stop (6)'" , "Cease (from doing a thing)" , "Cease (from doing something)" , "Forbear" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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