Fighting the effect of attrition? (4)

I believe the answer is:

fray

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'fighting' is the definition.
(fray is a kind of fighting)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for fray that I've seen before include "Become threadbare - fight" , "Show effects of strain" , "Combat - wear" , "Unravel; battle" , "Brawl - become tattered at the edge" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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