Outgoing old writer seen to be half-cut (7)
I believe the answer is:
expense
'outgoing old writer seen to be half-cut' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.
'old writer seen to be half-cut' is the wordplay.
'old' becomes 'ex' (prefix meaning former or onetime).
'writer' becomes 'pen' (something which writes).
'to be half cut' suggests halving the letters.
'seen' halved is 'se'.
'ex'+'pen'+'se'='EXPENSE'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for expense that I've seen before include "Incurred cost" , "Disbursal" , "Disbursement" , "Charge" , "Cost - price" .)