Preparing fourth clue, jesting (9)

I believe the answer is:

equipping

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'preparing' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are present participle verbs, I don't see how one could define the other.

'fourth clue jesting' is the wordplay.
'fourth clue' becomes 'e' (4th letter of 'clue').
'jesting' becomes 'quipping' (quipping is a kind of jesting).
'e'+'quipping'='EQUIPPING'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for equipping that I've seen before include "supplying what is needed" , "Providing essential tools" .)

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

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