Second ensemble acquired contract? (8)

I believe the answer is:

condense

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'second ensemble acquired contract?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'second ensemble acquired contract?' is the wordplay.
'contract?' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue (I've seen 'contracted' mean this).
'CONDENSE' is hidden within 'second ensemble acquired'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for condense that I've seen before include "Concentrate" , "Make more concentrated, or express in fewer words" , "cut down" , "Summarise" , "Abbreviate" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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