Crossword Genius

Hostilities in Lancashire initially to secure small upland area (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hillock

'small upland area' is the definition.

'hostilities in lancashire initially to secure' is the wordplay.
'initially' says to take the initial letters.
'to secure' becomes 'lock' (locking is a kind of securing**).
The first letters of 'hostilities in lancashire' is 'hil'.
'hil'+'lock'='HILLOCK'

(Other definitions for hillock that I've seen before include "Barrow" , "it requires little effort to get up" , "Mound, knoll" , "elevated ground" , "Rising" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.