It may defend a bridge under construction (7)

I believe the answer is:

brigade

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'it may defend' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'a bridge under construction' is the wordplay.
'under construction' indicates an anagram.
'a'+'bridge'='abridge'
'abridge' with letters rearranged gives 'BRIGADE'.

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(Other definitions for brigade that I've seen before include "Abridge (anag)" , "Rig a bed (anag)" , "Part of an army division" , "Body of troops" , "Army subdivision" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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