Crossword Genius

Excited, a number left and went outside (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

exited

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

'went outside' is the definition.
'exited' can be an answer for 'went' ('exit' can be a synonym of 'go'). I am not certain of the 'outside' bit.

'excited a number left' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'number' could be 'xi' (XI is an example) and 'xi' is present in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for exited that I've seen before include "Left the stage" , "Went out as actors do" , "Went out, probably through door" , "Went out, departed" , "Go out of a place" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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