What does the cryptic crossword clue "21 men once carried this young woman on dock (7)" mean?

The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). CUT (synonym="dock") + LASS (synonym="young woman") = CUTLASS The answer is CUTLASS.

21 men once carried this young woman on dock (7)

Guardian Cryptic #29264 | 1 Across | 2023-12-28 flower