Crossword Genius

A Biblical plague, so cult contended (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

locust

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'a biblical plague' is the definition.
I know that 'plague' relates to this answer. I also know that both the answer and definition are singular nouns

'so cult contended' is the wordplay.
'so cult' can be anagrammed to 'LOCUST'.
But, I'm not clear how the anagram is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for locust that I've seen before include "Ravenous insect" , "Voracious insect, travels in swarms" , "Voracious African or Asian grasshopper" , "A deadly grasshopper seen in plagues" , "Destroyer" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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