German gives permit for tree to swing from (7)

I believe the answer is:

gallows

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'permit for tree to swing from' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'german gives' is the wordplay.
'german' becomes 'g' (abbreviation).
'gives' becomes 'allows' (allowing is a kind of giving).
'g'+'allows'='GALLOWS'

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(Other definitions for gallows that I've seen before include "Frame for execution" , "Gibbet" , "suspender" , "Structure for hangings" , "Place of execution" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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