Crossword Genius

Old weapon in framework had ugly appearance (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

grimaced

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'had ugly appearance' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to bodily activities as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'old weapon in framework' is the wordplay.
'old weapon' becomes 'mace' (I am not sure about the 'old' bit.).
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'framework' becomes 'grid' (I've seen this before).
'mace' inserted inside 'grid' is 'GRIMACED'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for grimaced that I've seen before include "Made an ugly face" , "didn't look happy" , "Contorted face as seen in decigram" , "Scowled" , "Pulled a face" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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