Crossword Genius

Took action against eastern leather (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

suede

'leather' is the definition.
(suede is a kind of leather)

'took action against eastern' is the wordplay.
'took action against' becomes 'sued' (I've seen this before).
'eastern' becomes 'e'.
'sued'+'e'='SUEDE'

(Other definitions for suede that I've seen before include "unprepared material" , "Leather with velvety nap used in shoes and clothes" , "Leather with flesh side rubbed to velvety nap" , "material used in gloves" , "Undressed leather" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app