Erotica stunted and corrupted European cabal (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

coterie

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'cabal' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

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(Other definitions for coterie that I've seen before include "EEC trio in exclusive group" , "In-group" , "Exclusive group with shared interests" , "Select group" , "Group of acquaintances" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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