Crossword Genius

Half of freaky, odd characters leaving fight (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

affray

'fight' is the definition.
(I know that affray is a type of fight)

'half of freaky odd characters leaving' is the wordplay.
'odd characters leaving' means one should take alternating letters (letters in odd-numbered positions removed).
'half'+'of'+'freaky'='halfoffreaky'
The alternating letters of 'halfoffreaky' are 'AFFRAY'.

(Other definitions for affray that I've seen before include "Breach of the peace by public rioting" , "Disturbance in public place" , "public brawl" , "Disturbance of the peace" , "Brawling" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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