Crossword Genius

Cut out for duty (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

excise

This clue is a double definition.

'cut out' is the first definition.
(excise can mean to cut out or remove)

'for duty' is the second definition.
(both can mean a tax)

(Other definitions for excise that I've seen before include "A tax to be cut out, perhaps" , "Expunge the tax?" , "Type of tax" , "Customs" , "that wretches hatefully collect" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Independent.
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