Crossword Genius

Caster of shadow in garden? Little fellow therein cut one short (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gnomon

'caster of shadow' is the definition.
(part of a sundial that casts a shadow)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for gnomon that I've seen before include "Sundial rod" , "Pointer on a sundial" , "Part of a sundial that casts the shadow" , "Part of a sundial projecting a shadow" , "where time casts its shadow" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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