Occasionally stern solicitor dispatched (4,3)

I believe the answer is:

sent out

'dispatched' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'occasionally stern solicitor' is the wordplay.
'occasionally' means one should take alternating letters (letters taken at regular intervals or occasions).
'solicitor' becomes 'tout' (someone who solicits business).
The alternating letters of 'stern' are 'sen'.
'sen'+'tout'='SENT OUT'

(Another definition for sent out that I've seen is " Dispatched".)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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