Comedian Mack’s basic intro to Barney? (5)

I believe the answer is:

melee

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'barney?' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

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(Other definitions for melee that I've seen before include "A confused fight or muddle" , "A confused free-for-all" , "Skirmish" , "Fracas" , "Confused brawl" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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