Crossword Genius

Charm of various animals after first bit of training (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

talisman

'charm' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'various animals after first bit of training' is the wordplay.
'various' indicates an anagram.
'after' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'first bit of' indicates taking the first letters.
The initial letter of 'training' is 't'.
'animals' with letters rearranged gives 'alisman'.
'alisman' after 't' is 'TALISMAN'.

'of' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for talisman that I've seen before include "Protective charm" , "It's thought to be a magical protection against evil or disease" , "Magical good luck charm" , "Charm thought to bring good luck" , "Object supposed to bring good luck" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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