Crossword Genius

Clean off a weapon (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lance

'a weapon' is the definition.
(lance is a kind of weapon)

'clean off' is the wordplay.
'off' indicates anagramming the letters.
'clean' anagrammed gives 'LANCE'.

(Other definitions for lance that I've seen before include "Long pointed weapon of old" , "Spear for a horse-soldier" , "Pierce (a boil)" , "Long-shafted weapon" , "Chap" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express and The Mirror.
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