Crossword Genius

Beastly Holst composition (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sloth

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'composition' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'beastly holst' is the wordplay.
'beastly' indicates anagramming the letters (I've seen this in other clues).
'holst' with letters rearranged gives 'SLOTH'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sloth that I've seen before include "tropical American native" , "A deadly sin, being lazy" , "Deadly offence" , "one of a deadly collection" , "Aversion to industry" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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