This was used for loft in French house — price runs away (6)

I believe the answer is:

mashie

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'this was used for loft in french house price runs away' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

This is the entire clue.

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(Other definitions for mashie that I've seen before include "Golf club for lofting" , "Old-fashioned golf club" , "One of 9 [CLUBS]" , "Old golf club" , "He aims (anag) - golfer's five iron, formerly" .)

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

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