Crossword Genius

Left out spice as an act of kindness for a two-year period (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

favour

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'left' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for favour that I've seen before include "Goodwill - support" , "Approve of - indication of support" , "Go for" , "Grace and - denotes housing granted by queen" , "Prefer one over the other" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times (Crosaire) and the Irish Times.
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