Writing about previous measures seems suspicious (6)

I believe the answer is:

smells

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'seems suspicious' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'writing about previous measures' is the wordplay.
'writing' becomes 'ms' (abbreviation for manuscript).
'about' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'previous measures' becomes 'ells' (I've seen this before. I am not sure about the 'previous' bit.).
'ms' back-to-front is 'sm'.
'sm'+'ells'='SMELLS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for smells that I've seen before include "Odours, aromas" , "Aromas, scents" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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