... spreads slander (6)
![Ross](/clue/static/ross-mug.min.png)
I believe the answer is:
smears
'spreads' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for smears that I've seen before include "False attacks on someone's good name" , "Black marks" , "Maligns" , "may be examined in the lab." , "Slanderous defamations" .)