Cross at being recalled for duty (3)
I believe the answer is:
tax
'duty' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'cross at being recalled' is the wordplay.
'cross' becomes 'x' (X is cross-shaped).
'being recalled' is a reversal indicator (to recall can mean to bring something back).
'x'+'at'='xat'
'xat' backwards is 'TAX'.
'for' is the link.
(Other definitions for tax that I've seen before include "Charge levied by the state" , "Make heavy demands on as Revenue Commissioners do" , "Strain - duty" , "VAT or DIRT, say" , "Demand" .)