Crossword Genius

Brassy looking, a bird can be beautiful (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

braid

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

'brassy looking' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.

'a bird can be beautiful' is the wordplay.
'a bird' anagrams to 'BRAID'.
Though, I am not sure how the anagram is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for braid that I've seen before include "Ornamental strip" , "Decorative ribbon" , "decoration" , "Gilded ribbon" , "Decorative band for trimming" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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