Crossword Genius

Seabird captured in cold season not showing wings: one’s caged as a precaution (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

internee

'one's caged as a precaution' is the definition.
(someone who has been interned)

'seabird captured in cold season not showing wings' is the wordplay.
'seabird' becomes 'erne' (I've seen this in another clue).
'captured in' is an insertion indicator.
'cold season' becomes 'winter' (coldest time of year).
'not showing wings' says to take the centre (letters at the wings of the word are removed).
The middle of 'winter' is 'inte'.
'erne' going within 'inte' is 'INTERNEE'.

(Other definitions for internee that I've seen before include "suspected terrorist" , "Prisoner of war living in armed camp or prison" , "Imprisoned person" , "One imprisoned during wartime" , "Suspect held" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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