What does the cryptic crossword clue "Mephistopheles initially leading wicked staff (4)" mean?

The definition is "staff". The wordplay uses acrostic, charade. M (first letter of "Mephistopheles") + ACE (synonym of "wicked") [first letter: "initially"]; definition: "staff" The answer is MACE.

Mephistopheles initially leading wicked staff (4)

Independent Cryptic #12052 | 14 Across | 2025-05-26 flower

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