Crossword Genius

Pet about to be given American food (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

canoodle

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'pet' is the definition.
(both can mean to touch lovingly)

'about to be given american food' is the wordplay.
'about' becomes 'ca' (abbreviation for 'circa').
'to be given' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'american food' becomes 'noodle' (noodle is a kind of food. I am not sure about the 'american' bit.).
'ca'+'noodle'='CANOODLE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for canoodle that I've seen before include "Pet" , "spoon" , "Hug and kiss" , "Fondle" , "Behave amorously" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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