Crossword Genius

Fine petticoats, firstly, neatly embroidered (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

penalty

'fine' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'petticoats firstly neatly embroidered' is the wordplay.
'firstly' suggests taking the first letters.
'embroidered' is an anagram indicator.
The initial letter of 'petticoats' is 'p'.
'neatly' with letters rearranged gives 'enalty'.
'p'+'enalty'='PENALTY'

(Other definitions for penalty that I've seen before include "Spot kick" , "Disadvantage imposed" , "Perhaps fine" , "Punishment for error (in game)" , "Fine - handicap" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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