Crossword Genius

Figure having limited time to act (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

statute

'act' is the definition.
(I know that statute is a type of act)

'figure having limited time' is the wordplay.
'figure' becomes 'statue' (statue is a kind of figure).
'having limited' indicates putting letters inside (inserted letters get constrained or limited).
'time' becomes 't' (abbreviation).
'statue' going around 't' is 'STATUTE'.

'to' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for statute that I've seen before include "Set taut (anag.)" , "Act of law" , "Legal enactment" , "Written law" , "Law, rule" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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