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By introducing it, church is vindictive (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bitchy

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'vindictive' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'by introducing it church' is the wordplay.
'introducing' is an insertion indicator (some letters introduced or inserted into others).
'church' becomes 'ch' (common abbreviation).
'it'+'ch'='itch'
'by' going around 'itch' is 'BITCHY'.

'is' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bitchy that I've seen before include "malicious" , "Unpleasant and spiteful like female dog" , "Catty" , "Speaking spitefully in manner of female canine" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times.
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