Tear gas for staff (4)

I believe the answer is:

mace

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'for staff' is the definition.
(a mace is a ceremonial staff or stick)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for mace that I've seen before include "One of 9 [CLUBS]" , "Came to get nutmeg spice" , "Staff of office and a spice" , "Came to get ancient weapon" , "Ceremonial staff or kind of spice" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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