Crossword Genius

A novel 'Beau's' Gallic gesture (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

geste

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'a novel' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

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(Other definitions for geste that I've seen before include "In the past, a notable deed" , "Beau -, P. C. Wren's Foreign Legion novel" , "Beau -, P. C. Wren novel of French Foreign Legion" , "Exploit" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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