Crossword Genius

Excuse to knock up a Spaniard (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pardon

'excuse' is the definition.
(I know that excuse can be written as pardon)

'knock up a spaniard' is the wordplay.
'knock' becomes 'rap' (synonyms).
'up' shows that the letters should be reversed in order (in down clue: letters go upwards).
'a spaniard' becomes 'don'.
'rap' back-to-front is 'par'.
'par'+'don'='PARDON'

'to' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for pardon that I've seen before include "Excuse me, kindly overlook" , "Polite expression of regret, please excuse" , "indulgence" , "Ask this to seek forgiveness" , "Forgive - eh?" .)

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