Pierce heart when muskets lowered (6)

I believe the answer is:

skewer

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'pierce' is the definition.
(I know that skewer is a more specific form of empale)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for skewer that I've seen before include "Pierce, impale" , "Pin for cooking meats" , "Spike on which kebab is cooked" , "Pin for roasts" , "Is one stuck into a joint" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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