Crossword Genius

Prohibited argument for writer beginning to defame (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

proscribed

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'prohibited argument' is the definition.
'proscribed' can be an answer for 'prohibited' ('proscribe' can be a synonym of 'prohibit'). I am unsure of the 'argument' bit.

'for writer beginning to defame' is the wordplay.
'for' becomes 'pro' (as in being 'pro' something).
'writer' becomes 'scribe' (scribe is a kind of writer).
'beginning to' indicates taking the first letters.
The first letter of 'defame' is 'd'.
'pro'+'scribe'+'d'='PROSCRIBED'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for proscribed that I've seen before include "outlawed" , "on the banned list" , "Forbidden" .)

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