Crossword Genius

Creature boasting no sting (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

boa

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'creature' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both animals as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?

'boasting no sting' is the wordplay.
'no' indicates named letters should be taken away.
'boasting' with 'sting' taken away is 'BOA'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for boa that I've seen before include "Snake; fur" , "S American snake that crushes its prey" , "Wrap" , "Long, thin, feathery scarf" , "feathers around the neck?" .)

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