Crossword Genius

Swindle to attract scorn (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

contempt

'scorn' is the definition.
('contempt' can be a synonym of 'scorn')

'swindle to attract' is the wordplay.
'swindle' becomes 'con' (con is a kind of swindle).
'to attract' becomes 'tempt' (I've seen this in other clues).
'con'+'tempt'='CONTEMPT'

(Other definitions for contempt that I've seen before include "ridicule" , "Disdain, say, perhaps of court" , "Disobedience to the rules of a court of law" , "bad behaviour in court" , "Open disrespect, to a court, say" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph and The Times.
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