Cows, Charles figures (8)
I believe the answer is:
chastens
'cows' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I can't see how they can define each other.
'charles figures' is the wordplay.
'charles' becomes 'chas' (shortened form).
'figures' becomes 'tens' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'chas'+'tens'='CHASTENS'
Can you help me to learn more?
I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution?
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