Crossword Genius

Sword pierced girl (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cutlass

'sword' is the definition.
(type of sword)

'pierced girl' is the wordplay.
'pierced' becomes 'cut' (similar in meaning).
'girl' becomes 'lass' (lass can informally mean a girl).
'cut'+'lass'='CUTLASS'

(Other definitions for cutlass that I've seen before include "Sharp weapon" , "Curved sailors' sword" , "Short broad sword" , "Old sailor's weapon" , "Steel" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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