The village recidivist? (3)

I believe the answer is:

lag

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'recidivist?' is the definition.

'the village' is the wordplay.
'LAG' is hidden within the letters.
However, I'm unsure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lag that I've seen before include "Get behind; convict" , "Drop behind" , "Prisoner" , "Protect from cold" , "Fall behind on march" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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