Weapon unsuited to very close combat! (5)

I believe the answer is:

lance

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'weapon' is the definition.
(lance is a kind of weapon)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for lance that I've seen before include "fish" , "Cut open" , "A horse soldier's spear" , "steel" , "corporal may have at the front" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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