Moves by spymaster releasing army (5)

I believe the answer is:

steps

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'moves' is the definition.
(step is a kind of move)

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for steps that I've seen before include "Paces; measures" , "taken to get on" , "Procedures" , "Measures taken" , "Footfalls" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times and the Irish Times (Crosaire).

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