Crossword Genius

Note duke getting in ale for drinking bout (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bender

'drinking bout' is the definition.

'note duke getting in ale' is the wordplay.
'note' becomes 'n' (abbreviation**).
'duke' becomes 'd'.
'getting in' indicates putting letters inside.
'ale' becomes 'beer' (I've seen this before).
'n'+'d'='nd'
'nd' going within 'beer' is 'BENDER'.

'for' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for bender that I've seen before include "Binge on drinks" , "Wild drinking bout" , "one twists" , "Booze-up" , "Drinking jag" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app