Crossword Genius

One held in contempt to stop call for decoration (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tassel

'decoration' is the definition.
(tassel is a kind of decoration)

'one held in contempt to stop call' is the wordplay.
'one held in contempt' becomes 'ass' (contemptuous term for a stupid person).
'to stop' indicates putting letters inside.
'call' becomes 'tel' (short for telephone).
'ass' placed into 'tel' is 'TASSEL'.

'for' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for tassel that I've seen before include "Slates (anag)" , "Hanger-on perhaps" , "Decorative tuft of threads" , "Hanging ornament" , "Mortar board attachment" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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