Crossword Genius

General holds large weapon (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rifle

'weapon' is the definition.
(rifle is a kind of weapon)

'general holds large' is the wordplay.
'general' becomes 'rife' (I've seen this in other clues).
'holds' is an insertion indicator.
'large' becomes 'L' (eg in clothes sizes).
'rife' enclosing 'l' is 'RIFLE'.

(Other definitions for rifle that I've seen before include "Rummage" , "Ransack - firearm" , "Gun - steal" , "Standard military gun fired from shoulder" , "Gun; plunder" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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