### Clue: Former copper initially suspended and partner gets pardon (6)
### Answer: EXCUSE 
 ### Explanation: Definition: pardon
 EX-(prefix signifying "former"/once) + CU(symbol for the chemical element, copper) + **1st letter of**(initially) "suspended" **plus**(and) E(abbrev. for "East", the partner of "West", in the game of bridge).