Crossword Genius

Parry, holding short sword in both hands? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

repel

'parry' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'short sword in both hands' is the wordplay.
'short' means to remove the last letter.
'sword' becomes 'epee' (epee is a kind of sword).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'both hands' becomes 'rl' (**).
'epee' with its last letter taken off is 'epe'.
'epe' placed within 'rl' is 'REPEL'.

'holding' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for repel that I've seen before include "Drive back or away" , "Drive back - revolt" , "Reject" , "Spurn" , "Be effective in controlling" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph and The Times.
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