Crossword Genius

Private protection from sham firearm? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

codpiece

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'private protection' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'sham firearm?' is the wordplay.
'sham' becomes 'cod' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'firearm?' becomes 'piece' ('piece' can be a synonym of 'firearm').
'cod'+'piece'='CODPIECE'

'from' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for codpiece that I've seen before include "Medieval male accoutrement for the nether regions" , "men put on centuries ago" , "Male dress item of former times" , "for promotion of virility?" , "What kept privates in place" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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