Crossword Genius

Strongman's deadly weapon, essential for Churchill's preference to war? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

jawbone

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'war?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how they can define each other.

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

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(Other definitions for jawbone that I've seen before include "Samson smote enemies with the . . . . . . . of an ass" , "Mandible" , "Maxilla" , "A new job (anag.)" , "It's hinged to allow the mouth to open" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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