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Faculties with debts, large uni finally liquidated (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

abilities

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

'faculties' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to thinking as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I can't see?

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for abilities that I've seen before include "The powers to do" , "Talents" , "skills" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sunday Times.
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