Crossword Genius

Colleague in compound being loveless (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ally

'colleague' is the definition.
(ally can mean a colleague or associate)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for ally that I've seen before include "Friend and colleague" , "Join by marriage, treaty etc" , "He fights on your side" , "Associate that provides assistance" , "Crony" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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