Crossword Genius

Pepper spray corroding face, UK heard (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

archduke

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

'pepper spray corroding' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

'uk heard' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'uk' is found in the answer.
'heard' could be 'e' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'e' is located in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'face' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for archduke that I've seen before include "European noble" , "Title of Franz Ferdinand, shot in Sarajevo in 1914" , "Austrian noble" , "Emperor's son" , "noted trio" .)

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