Methodical, about to get swapped for article that's pointed (7)

I believe the answer is:

angular

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'pointed' is the definition.
(associated in meaning)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for angular that I've seen before include "stiff" , "Having sharp corners, lacking curves or smoothness" , "With jagged outline" , "Having sharp edges or corners" , "Scrawny" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.

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