Separate the strands in the brawl (4)

I believe the answer is:

fray

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'the brawl' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

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

(Other definitions for fray that I've seen before include "Unravel at an edge" , "Combat - wear" , "Wear away at the edges" , "Become irritated" , "Become worn at the edges" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.

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