TAKING OFF THE CURVES
The Puzzlemaster Presents Vol. 2
Will Shortz

The answer to the first clue in each pair has a doubled S somewhere in it. Remove both S's and you'll get a new word that answers the second clue.

Ex: Full of chutzpah / Donkey's sound - Brassy / bray

1. Giving orders / Sound of a spring
2. To have / Group assisting a sheriff
3. Ropes at a rodeo / Southeast Asian country
4. Unnecessary / Something that has just one eye
5. Pudding-like dessert / Pouting grimace
6. Sacred or holy / To run, as a color
7. Risque quality / City in Wisconsin
8. One who strokes lovingly / Profession
9. Flower / Flower
10. Stylish and elegant / Modeler's material
11. Archealogical remnant / Food wrapping material

Answers:

1. Bossing / Boing
2. Possess / Posse
3. Lassos / Laos
4. Needless / Needle
5. Mousse / Moue
6. Blessed / Bleed
7. Raciness / Racine
8. Caresser / Career
9. Blossom / Bloom
10. Classy / Clay
11. Fossil / Foil