Crossword Genius

Mischievously stole time, finding excuse for a kiss? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mistletoe

'excuse for a kiss?' is the definition.
(people kiss under mistletoe at Christmas)

'mischievously stole time' is the wordplay.
'mischievously' indicates anagramming the letters (I've seen this in other clues).
'stole'+'time'='stoletime'
'stoletime' with letters rearranged gives 'MISTLETOE'.

'finding' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for mistletoe that I've seen before include "Yuletide hanging?" , ""Kissing" sprig" , "Something to stand under when kissing?" , "Tree parasite" , "People kiss under this plant" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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