Crossword Genius

After tip off, searched vagrant in French department (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ardeche

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'french department' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ardeche that I've seen before include "rural area of France" , "part of France" , "French department" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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