Dismissed by a cross editor (4)
I believe the answer is:
axed
'dismissed' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are past participle verbs, I can't see how they can define each other.
'by a cross editor' is the wordplay.
'by' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'cross' becomes 'x'.
'editor' becomes 'ed'.
'a' next to 'x' is 'ax'.
'ax'+'ed'='AXED'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for axed that I've seen before include "Abandoned project using chopper" , "Cut; terminated" , "Abandoned or curtailed - using hatchet?" , "Cancelled or dismissed suddenly" , "Dismissed, given the chop" .)