It may strike A, B or C out (5)

I believe the answer is:

cobra

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'it may strike' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'a b or c out' is the wordplay.
'out' indicates an anagram (out can mean wrong or inaccurate).
'a'+'b'+'or'+'c'='aborc'
'aborc' anagrammed gives 'COBRA'.

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(Other definitions for cobra that I've seen before include "Deadly snake called King" , "Venomous snake, may be king" , "One with hood" , "Something with a hood" , "Hooded ophidian" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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