Gangster, initially offensive, often swearing, curses (7)

I believe the answer is:

hoodoos

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'curses' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I don't see how they can define each other.

'gangster initially offensive often swearing' is the wordplay.
'gangster' becomes 'hood' (I've seen this in another clue).
'initially' suggests taking the first letters.
The initial letters of 'offensive often swearing' is 'oos'.
'hood'+'oos'='HOODOOS'

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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