Fairy showing malice outright! (6)

I believe the answer is:

sprite

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'fairy' is the definition.
('sprite' can be a synonym of 'fairy')

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for sprite that I've seen before include "Nimble elf-like creature - icon in computer game" , "Elf, fairy" , "A fairy or goblin" , "Pet, sir, could be a goblin" , "Stripe on a fairy" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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