Crossword Genius

Mercenary likely to be pardoned after one escapes (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

venal

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'mercenary' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for venal that I've seen before include "Easily corrupted" , "can be bought cheaply" , "Influenced by bribery, corrupt" , "Susceptible to bribery" , "Open to bribes" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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