Crossword Genius

Rulers erased the central elements, providing means of control (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

leash

'means of control' is the definition.
(as in a dog leash)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for leash that I've seen before include "Line for holding dog" , "Rope to control dog" , "Animal restraint" , "Strip for leading, a dog say" , "(Dog's) lead" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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