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Detective returns in subtle disguise (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

palliate

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'disguise' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

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(Other definitions for palliate that I've seen before include "everything before I cut into spread" , "Mitigate (something bad)" , "Eat a pill (anag) - make easier" , "Allay" , "Soften (the effect of)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
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