Crossword Genius

Short time at defensive ditch (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

moat

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

'short time at' is the wordplay.
'short time' becomes 'mo' (as in 'just a mo').
'mo'+'at'='MOAT'

(Other definitions for moat that I've seen before include "Last ditch defence?" , "Trench around fortifications" , "Water-filled ditch around stronghold" , "defensive construction" , "Water around castle" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sun.
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