Crossword Genius

Bear up, whether great or little? (13)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

constellation

'bear' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how they can define each other.

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for constellation that I've seen before include "Star group" , "Twins, perhaps" , "Cassiopeia, for example" , "Twenty-five across for instance" , "Formation of stars" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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