Apologists dismiss a lot of tittle-tattle (6)

I believe the answer is:

gossip

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'tittle-tattle' is the definition.
('gossip' can be a synonym of 'tittle-tattle')

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for gossip that I've seen before include "Chin-wag, chit-chat" , "Idle chat, tattle" , "'Rumours, scandal (6)'" , "Idle and mildly malicious talk" , "Scandalous rumour" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times.

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