Like invalid ticket, perhaps, got free? (9)

I believe the answer is:

unclipped

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'got free?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with contact as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for unclipped that I've seen is " with long hair?".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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