Crossword Genius

Arcane criticism of setter is a little excessive (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mystic

'arcane' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for mystic that I've seen before include "One attaining high levels of spirituality" , "Spiritualist" , "Paranormal, mysterious" , "One seeking God through contemplation" , "Sixth sense believer?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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