Crossword Genius

Delicatessen ceases stocking spirit (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

essence

'spirit' is the definition.
(essence can mean something's spirit or heart)

'delicatessen ceases stocking' is the wordplay.
'stocking' indicates a hidden word (the answer is held or stocked by the clue).
'ESSENCE' can be found hidden inside 'delicatessen ceases'.

(Other definitions for essence that I've seen before include "Vital part of something" , "Perfume or distillation" , "Plant extract or concentrate" , "The quality that makes something what it is" , "Nice fuel" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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