Combat wear (4)

I believe the answer is:

fray

I believe this clue is a double definition.

'combat' is the first definition.
(I know that fray is a type of combat)

'wear' is the second definition.
(I know that fray is a more specific form of the action the wear)

(Other definitions for fray that I've seen before include "Combat - wear" , "Wear away from rubbing" , "Battle - loose at the edges!" , "Wear thin - brawl" , "Rub off, unravel" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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