Crossword Genius

Equipment given to spy involving a right palaver (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rigmarole

'palaver' is the definition.
(both can mean a complicated process)

'equipment given to spy involving a right' is the wordplay.
'equipment' becomes 'rig' (rig is a kind of equipment).
'given to' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'spy' becomes 'mole' (mole is a kind of spy).
'involving' indicates putting letters inside.
'right' becomes 'r' (common abbreviation).
'a'+'r'='ar'
'mole' enclosing 'ar' is 'marole'.
'rig'+'marole'='RIGMAROLE'

(Other definitions for rigmarole that I've seen before include "fuss" , "Long, complicated and confusing procedure" , "boring series" , "Complicated business" , "Rambling account" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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