Crossword Genius

Former copper's competent and easily forgiven (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

excusable

'easily forgiven' is the definition.

'former copper's competent' is the wordplay.
'former' becomes 'ex'.
'copper's' becomes 'cus' (chemical symbol).
'competent' becomes 'able' (similar in meaning).
'ex'+'cus'+'able'='EXCUSABLE'

'and' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for excusable that I've seen before include "Forgivable, pardonable" , "Justifiable" , "Not entirely to blame" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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