Crossword Genius

Spring, time for dispute (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spat

'dispute' is the definition.
(spat is a kind of dispute)

'spring time' is the wordplay.
'spring' becomes 'spa' (spa can mean a mineral spring).
'time' becomes 't' (abbreviation).
'spa'+'t'='SPAT'

'for' is the link.

(Other definitions for spat that I've seen before include "Showed contempt" , "Minor conflict" , "Petty quarrel - gaiter" , "Old-fashioned legwear" , "Old leg wear - brief quarrel" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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