Defend worshipped individual, though contrary and sometimes vicious? (5,3)
I believe the answer is:
guard dog
'contrary and sometimes vicious?' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.
'defend worshipped individual' is the wordplay.
'defend' becomes 'guard' (I've seen this before).
'worshipped individual' becomes 'dog' (dog is a kind of individual. I am not sure about the 'worshipped' bit.).
'guard'+'dog'='GUARD DOG'
'though' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for guard dog that I've seen before include "Canine sentry" , "Animal protecting property" , "Animal form of security" , "Its bite should be as good as its bark" , "Task for an Alsatian" .)