Crossword Genius

Doctor steals tuft of hanging threads? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tassel

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'hanging threads?' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'doctor steals' is the wordplay.
'doctor' is an anagram indicator.
'steals' anagrammed gives 'TASSEL'.

'tuft of' is the link.
I am not very happy about this link. Some or all of it may be part of another bit of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tassel that I've seen before include "Decoration made from a tuft of threads" , "Hanging ornament" , "Hanging tuft of threads" , "Slates (anag)" , "Bunch of hanging threads" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app