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Reprimand and sack travelling companion? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

carpetbag

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'travelling companion?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.

'reprimand and sack' is the wordplay.
'reprimand' becomes 'carpet' (carpet can informally mean to reprimand or rebuke).
'and' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'sack' becomes 'bag' (I've seen this in another clue).
'carpet'+'bag'='CARPETBAG'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for carpetbag that I've seen before include "Piece of luggage" , "Presumptuously seek success in a new locality - eg tap crab (anag)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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