Crossword Genius

Guarding of French barrier (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

defence

'guarding' is the definition.
(defence is a kind of guarding)

'of french barrier' is the wordplay.
'of french' becomes 'de'.
'barrier' becomes 'fence' (fence is a kind of barrier).
'de'+'fence'='DEFENCE'

(Other definitions for defence that I've seen before include "barricade" , "This department deals with national protection" , "Protection from danger" , "Case for the accused" , "See 12" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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