Crossword Genius

Give a justification for former patent (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

explain

'give a justification for' is the definition.
(explain can mean to justify)

'former patent' is the wordplay.
'former' becomes 'ex' (prefix meaning former or onetime).
'patent' becomes 'plain' (synonyms).
'ex'+'plain'='EXPLAIN'

(Other definitions for explain that I've seen before include "Elucidate, clarify" , "Elucidate, make clear" , "offer clarification" , "Show the meaning of, make clear" , "Defend" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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