Crossword Genius

Loathsome outcast uplifted over penitential time (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

repellent

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'loathsome' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'outcast uplifted over penitential time' is the wordplay.
'outcast' becomes 'leper' (leper is a kind of outcast).
'uplifted' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'over' says to put letters next to each other.
'penitential time' becomes 'lent' (I have seen 'Time of fasting ' mean 'lent' so perhaps 'time' could also mean 'lent'. I am not sure about the 'penitential' bit.).
'leper' back-to-front is 'repel'.
'repel'+'lent'='REPELLENT'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for repellent that I've seen before include "It arouses distaste or drives insects away" , "Causing distaste" , "Arousing distaste or not penetrable" , "Hideous" , "Disgusting, or substance that drives away insects" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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