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An old one from The Times. (I have a strong sense of deja vu with this one.)

See old penalty reduced after mistake (9).

I have BISHOPRIC for this. (I know the B, O, R and C are correct. See = Bishopric? Not sure about the rest of the clue).

If BISHOPRIC correct, my next one is this:

Quarters provided by a jolly host(5).

S - - - M
(I think middle letter is A)

There can't be many words that would fit (smarm, swarm, spasm etc) so it should be dead easy yet I can't figure it out. (host - swarm perhaps? but Quarters?)

bish - mistake O pric(e)

bish=mistake
penalty=price, reduced=pric

Swarm
compass quarters =sw
a
Royal-Marine - sailor - jolly roger

It's SWARM. quarters = SW. a jolly a RM (Royal Marine) and a host is a swarm.

Many thanks, all (oh, all you host of heaven... or should I say swarm of helpers!) for comprehensive replies.