Crossword Genius

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

Ross

I believe the answer is:

favour

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

'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.

Can you help me to learn more?

(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 and the Irish Times (Crosaire).
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app