Crossword Genius

Amongst the rag-tag, has to appear horrified (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aghast

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

'horrified' is the definition.
(I know that horrified can be written as aghast)

'amongst the rag-tag has to' is the wordplay.
'amongst' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'AGHAST' is hidden in the letters of 'rag tag has to'.

'appear' acts as a link.
I am not very happy about this link. It may belong to another bit of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for aghast that I've seen before include "Amazed" , "Stupefied with horror" , "Deeply dismayed" , "Struck with horror" , "Appalled, filled with consternation" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.
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