Repellent spray (4)

I believe the answer is:

mace

(Other definitions for mace that I've seen before include "Spice; ceremonial baton" , "Came to get nutmeg spice" , "Tear gas - spice" , "Spice; heavy club" , "Staff of office for a flavouring" .)

I've seen this clue in The New York Times.

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