Crossword Genius

A rotter, but with a nice skin (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

snake

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

This clue could be a double definition.

'a rotter' is the first definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'with a nice skin' is the second definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how they can define each other.

'but' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for snake that I've seen before include "Entertainer with music and reptiles" , "Move sinuously" , "Limbless reptile" , "Asp, perhaps?" , "former EC currency band" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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