Garland returns to trio in Dixieland (3)

I believe the answer is:

lei

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'garland' is the definition.
('lei' can be a synonym of 'garland')

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

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lei that I've seen before include "What Romanians spend" , "Hawaiian necklace of flowers" , "Blooming string" , "ready in Romania" , "Band of flowers" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times (Crosaire) and the Irish Times.

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