Crossword Genius

Former leader of Conservatives was wont to be forgiven? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

excused

'be forgiven?' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'former leader of conservatives was wont' is the wordplay.
'former' becomes 'ex'.
'leader of' suggests taking the first letters.
'was wont' becomes 'used' ('was wont to' means 'habitually did' or 'used to').
The initial letter of 'conservatives' is 'c'.
'ex'+'c'+'used'='EXCUSED'

'to' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for excused that I've seen before include "Given permission to leave, or pardoned" , "Made allowances for" , "Forgiven" , "Exonerated" , "Overlooked offence or released from duty" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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