Women's top hourly shift (6)

I believe the answer is:

halter

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'women's top hourly shift' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'top hourly shift' is the wordplay.
'top' indicates taking the first letters.
'shift' becomes 'alter' (I've seen this before).
The initial letter of 'hourly' is 'h'.
'h'+'alter'='HALTER'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for halter that I've seen before include "backless bodice" , "Leather strap for leading a horse" , "Rope or leather strap for tying up horse" , "device for leading Arabs" , "Comparatively lame" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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