Crossword Genius

Reinforced story implicating new Democrat (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lined

'reinforced' is the definition.
(lining is a kind of reinforcing)

'story implicating new democrat' is the wordplay.
'story' becomes 'lie' (story can mean a fabrication).
'implicating' is an insertion indicator.
'new' becomes 'n' (common abbreviation eg NT for New Testament).
'democrat' becomes 'd'.
'lie' going around 'n' is 'line'.
'line'+'d'='LINED'

(Other definitions for lined that I've seen before include "Given an inner covering" , "Ruled (paper); careworn (face)" , "Of face, marked with creases and wrinkles" , "What ruler did" , "given protection" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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