Crossword Genius

Rebel prisoner with criminal record is getting time after French refusal (13)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nonconformist

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'rebel prisoner' is the definition.
'nonconformist' can be an answer for 'rebel' (thesaurus). I am unsure of the 'prisoner' bit.

'criminal record is getting time after french refusal' is the wordplay.
'criminal record' becomes 'form' (a repeat offender may be said to 'have form').
'getting' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'time' becomes 't' (abbreviation).
'after' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'french refusal' becomes 'noncon' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'form' put next to 'is' is 'formis'.
'formis'+'t'='formist'
'formist' put after 'noncon' is 'NONCONFORMIST'.

'with' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for nonconformist that I've seen before include "One at odds with the Establishment" , "An original" , "Anglican dissenter; rebel" , "Confirm son? Not! (anag)" , "Maverick" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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