Crossword Genius

To nick spy chief follows decorum (14)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

misappropriate

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'to nick' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for misappropriate that I've seen before include "embezzle" , "Nick" , "Unfairly take for one's own use" , "Lift" , "Steal, take unfairly" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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