Crossword Genius

Deface an old penny displayed in case (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

vandalise

'deface' is the definition.
(I know that deface is a more specific form of the action vandalise)

'an old penny displayed in case' is the wordplay.
'old penny' becomes 'd' (abbreviation for the pre-decimal penny).
'displayed in' indicates putting letters inside.
'case' becomes 'valise' (valise is a kind of case).
'an'+'d'='and'
'and' inserted within 'valise' is 'VANDALISE'.

(Other definitions for vandalise that I've seen before include "Deliberately damage" , "Inflict malicious damage" , "trash" , "Wreck" , "Wilfully damage" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.