Crossword Genius

Patronage given to Australian spices (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

auspices

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

'given to australian spices' is the wordplay.
'given to' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'australian' becomes 'au'.
'au' next to 'spices' is 'AUSPICES'.

(Other definitions for auspices that I've seen before include "Omens or patronage for USA epics" , "Good offices" , "Under these, you have the help, support or protection of someone" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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