Crossword Genius

Supplies of punitive apparatus (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stocks

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'supplies' is the definition.
(stocking is a kind of supplying)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for stocks that I've seen before include "Frame for shipbuilding - form of punishment" , "Reserves and inventories" , "Amounts of goods kept by traders" , "Capital holdings often accompanied by shares" , "Fragrant flowers; shares" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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