Crossword Genius

Rod's tipple laced with unknown ingredient (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

axle

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This might be a double definition.

'rod's' is the first definition.
(axle is a kind of rod)

'tipple laced with unknown ingredient' is the second definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how one could define the other.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for axle that I've seen before include "Rod making wheels turn" , "Shaft used for rotation" , "Rotating rod carrying wheels" , "Rod of wheelbase" , "Bar on which wheel revolves" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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