Crossword Genius

Sorcerers, security against conflict? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

warlocks

'sorcerers' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'security against conflict?' is the wordplay.
'security' becomes 'locks'.
'against' says to put letters next to each other.
'conflict?' becomes 'war' (war is a kind of conflict).
'locks' after 'war' is 'WARLOCKS'.

(Other definitions for warlocks that I've seen before include "they can work magic" , "Magicians" , "Male witches or sorcerers." .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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