| Asset-freezing org. (CONTEST ALERT! My new all-skill, solve-at-home crossword contest benefiting the Alzheimer's Foundation of America is Sept. 30. First prize, $2,500. For details visit www.alzfdn. |
| A crossword editor has to be very careful when changing one--unlike this puzzle's editor, who was careless four times herein |
| Cavalry sword |
| SWORD |
| First word across in the first-ever crossword (1913) and the first of a dozen appearances of the word in this puzzle's grid, written word search-style (left, right, down, and diagonally) ... Can you f |
| Maiden name word |
| Give one's word |
| Medieval sword |
| Miss Piggy's favorite word |
| Blunted swords |
| I.e. words |
| Accounting word |
| Old-fashioned curse word |
| Action needed to spot the four fliers in the theme answers |
| All, e.g., for this answer's last six letters? |
| Swords for fencing |
| Somewhat safe sword |
| Crossword framework |
| Activity suggested by this puzzle's theme entries |
| Rewords (text) |
| A nice word for dirt? |
| A long time ___ in a galaxy far, far away ..." ("Star Wars" opening words) |
| Possessive words before "oneself |
| First word of a Beatles' album title |
| Music genre word |
| Annual cause of losing an hr.'s sleep hidden in this puzzle's 10 longest answers |
| Sampler word |
| Partially obscured (and a hint to this puzzle's theme) |
| Watch word? |
| Alternative title of this puzzle, in view of what can be placed in front of the answers to the 10 asterisked clues |