Crossword Genius

State penalised for what was discovered in archaeological dig? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

find

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'in archaeological dig?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'state penalised for what was' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'state' could be 'nd' (abbreviation for North Dakota) and 'nd' is located in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'discovered' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for find that I've seen before include "Realise" , "Encounter, locate" , "Come across" , "Discovery" , "Locate or discover" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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