Crossword Genius

States times for customs (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

usages

'customs' is the definition.
(I know this)

'states times' is the wordplay.
'states' becomes 'US' (abbreviation for the United States).
'times' becomes 'ages' (age is a kind of time).
'us'+'ages'='USAGES'

'for' is the link.

(Other definitions for usages that I've seen before include "Habitual or customary practices" , "Customary treatments, practices" , "Customs." , "speech patterns" , "Habitual practices with words" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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