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They stop big-headed libertines (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

brakes

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'they stop' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'big-headed libertines' is the wordplay.
'big-headed' becomes 'b' (this could be a standard abbreviation I've not previously seen).
'libertines' becomes 'rakes' (rake is a kind of libertine).
'b'+'rakes'='BRAKES'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for brakes that I've seen before include "They work to slow a vehicle" , "Slows down" , "Constraints on bakers" , "In a way, stops" , "Thickets of brush or briars" .)

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