Vessel robot manoeuvred in defensive, water-filled ditch (9)
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.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free.
Check out my app
or
learn more
about the Crossword Genius project.