Crossword Genius

Lucky mascot of Dutch explorer crossing large island (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

talisman

'lucky mascot' is the definition.

'dutch explorer crossing large island' is the wordplay.
'dutch explorer' becomes 'tasman' (17th-century explorer Abel Tasman).
'crossing' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'large' becomes 'l'.
'island' becomes 'i'.
'l'+'i'='li'
'tasman' going around 'li' is 'TALISMAN'.

'of' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for talisman that I've seen before include "Amulet" , "bringer of luck?" , "Mascot" , "which is charming" , "Object supposed to guard against evil" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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