Absconders removed bars in the briefest of times (6)

I believe the answer is:

second

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'times' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to time as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for second that I've seen before include "Unit of time - after No 1" , "Brief moment" , "Short time - back" , "Formally support, endorse" , "taking silver back" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times.

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