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Possibly set about a doctor - hit him? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

smote

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'hit him?' is the definition.
'smote' can be an answer for 'hit' (I've seen this in another clue). I'm not sure about the 'him?' bit.

'possibly set about a doctor' is the wordplay.
'possibly' indicates an anagram.
'about' indicates putting letters inside.
'a doctor' becomes 'mo' (medical officer).
'set' with letters rearranged gives 'ste'.
'ste' going around 'mo' is 'SMOTE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for smote that I've seen before include "Struck firmly" , "Hit" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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