Times Cryptic #28170

2021-12-25

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Across

1a

Churlish scoundrel with bad name say returning alone (12)

8a

Clever old man brought into line (7)

9a

Styptic required by north American ex-student (7)

11a

Fast runner from east of Germany with money to burn (7)

12a

Stylish English member introducing a set of books (7)

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13a

Talking bird of little importance, it may be said (5)

14a

Innumerable pounds raked in by nobleman's wife (9)

16a

Gruelling contest takes a month, attracting most of Irish town (9)

19a

Famous clown given a drink (5)

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21a

Headdresses trade union leader finally proscribes (7)

23a

Red coats perhaps originally tailored around the centre of Derby (7)

24a

Time-waster ultimately agreed to go to France without one (7)

25a

Sporting triumph head of Lancing entered in file (7)

26a

Boxer cheers maiden with rowing crew at bar (12)

Down

1d

Better way to get a new winding device (7)

2d

Upset hanger-on by mistake? Nonsense (7)

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3d

Immoral, destroying lace in hut (9)

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4d

Splendid-sounding place for nuts, perhaps? (5)

5d

Luxurious work originally unveiled fast (7)

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6d

Flying eagle in descent (7)

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7d

Adapted? It's what the landlord did (12)

10d

Energy lacking in French composer's works? That's acceptable (12)

15d

Powerless to arrest retired chap impossible to identify (9)

17d

Company register initially available in part of plant (7)

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18d

Asian garments adopted by abstemious old Russian (7)

19d

Learner involved in preserving Scottish game (7)

20d

Old soldier's language in court! (7)

22d

Initially such a strange old name for a cathedral city (5)