Crossword Genius

Leave defence to second pantheon (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gods

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'pantheon' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'leave defence to second' is the wordplay.
'leave' becomes 'go' (to go is to depart or leave).
'defence' becomes 'd' (this could be a standard abbreviation I've not previously seen).
'to second' becomes 's' (common abbreviation).
'go'+'d'+'s'='GODS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for gods that I've seen before include "Gallery of a theatre" , "high up in theatre" , "Deities" , "Idols" , "objects of worship" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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