Crossword Genius

I have no suntan: spit! (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

impale

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'spit' is the definition.
(I know that spit is a kind of pin)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for impale that I've seen before include "Pierce, me pail (anag.)" , "transfix with sharp item" , "Skewer" , "Pierce with a stick (as Vlad did?)" , "Pierce with a sharp stake" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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