Mischievous concubines cut off bun, making it short (7)

I believe the answer is:

concise

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'short' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for concise that I've seen before include "Brief but comprehensive" , "Brief, said in few words" , "Short and brief" , "Using few words" , "Short and clear" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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