Unsheathes it at event, giving one pause (8)
I believe the answer is:
hesitate
'one pause' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'unsheathes it at event' is the wordplay.
'HESITATE' is hidden in amongst the letters.
But, I'm uncertain how the hidden word is indicated.
'giving' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for hesitate that I've seen before include "Falter, delay" , "Pause in doubt, show uncertainty" , "'Pause, dither (8)'" , "Show reluctance" , "Pause, think twice" .)