Crossword Genius

Have no mercy, harbouring such spitefulness (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

venom

'spitefulness' is the definition.
('venom' can be a synonym of 'spitefulness')

'have no mercy harbouring' is the wordplay.
'harbouring' indicates a hidden word.
'VENOM' can be found hidden inside 'have no mercy'.

'such' is the link.

(Other definitions for venom that I've seen before include "Poison; malice" , "Snake's poison" , "acrimony" , "ill will" , "Poisonous secretion" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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