Crossword Genius

Pledge attempt to seize duke's equipment (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gadgetry

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

'equipment' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'pledge attempt to seize duke's' is the wordplay.
'pledge' becomes 'gage' (I've seen this before).
'attempt' becomes 'try' (synonyms).
'to seize' indicates putting letters inside.
'duke' becomes 'd'.
'gage'+'try'='gagetry'
'gagetry' placed around 'd' is 'GADGETRY'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for gadgetry that I've seen before include "Mechanical tools" , "The making of small ingenious devices" , "gismos" , "Small ingenious devices in general" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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