Crossword Genius

Vessel robot manoeuvred in defensive, water-filled ditch (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

motorboat

'vessel' is the definition.
(motorboat is a kind of vessel)

'robot manoeuvred in defensive water-filled ditch' is the wordplay.
'manoeuvred' indicates an anagram.
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'defensive water-filled ditch' becomes 'moat' (I've seen this before).
'robot' anagrammed gives 'torbo'.
'torbo' going within 'moat' is 'MOTORBOAT'.

(Another definition for motorboat that I've seen is " powered vessel".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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