Couple of nuns cited after taking clothes off (5)

I believe the answer is:

unite

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'couple' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for unite that I've seen before include "Come together as allies or comrades" , "Combine - join" , "Gather together as one" , "Join forces" , "Become an integrated whole" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.

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