Crossword Genius

Prosecuted like a ready battery (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

charged

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

'prosecuted' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with social activities as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'a ready battery' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'a' is within the answer.
'battery' could be 'c' (C battery is an example) and 'c' is located in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'like' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for charged that I've seen before include "Indicted" , "Rushed forward in attack" , "Fraught with emotion" , "Accused of offence" , "Entrusted (with a task)" .)

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