Crossword Genius

Tore strips off savage half of weed (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

attacked

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

This might be a double definition.

'tore strips' is the first definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to bodily activities as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'off savage half of weed' is the second definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to bodily activities as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for attacked that I've seen before include "was trying to score" , "Launched an assault" , "fired weapons" , "Roasted" , "Ambushed" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times (Crosaire) and the Irish Times.
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