Crossword Genius

Country area at least without a row of houses! (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lea

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'country' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lea that I've seen before include "Meadowland" , "Grazing land" , "Pasture, London river" , "Open pasture" , "River flowing through London" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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