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Thanks so much zozozo...
aha--That's what I had for 23d, but I wasn't sure if the third word in was the pre-op second definition.

...and that's what I had for 2d as well, parsed as you've described.
I just felt as if the definition was somewhat more of a slightly pre-official split thing than the actual split. But, close enough!

PLEASE NOTE Having contacted the crossword editor to query the letter count for 1d right and been told that (7) was correct, I have just received an abject apology and confirmation that the letter count is indeed (5,2). We had already submitted on that basis.

That’s doubly sad, as there shouldn’t be mistakes, and threw at is not an acceptable word/phrase, especially when undefined.

Having quickly scanned this thread after my visitors left, I'm glad I didn't even try it!

Despite the complexity of this puzzle, as well as the fact that 1dn was not very satisfactory, I still say 'hats off' to Maskarade for constructing such an ingenious crossword thereby generating so many interesting posts over the Christmas period. Happy New Year to everyone!