Crossword Genius

Cross, author of farces close to stage (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

traverse

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'cross' is the definition.
(I know that cross can be written as traverse)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for traverse that I've seen before include "In mountaineering, a steep slope to be crossed from side to side" , "Extend or bridge across" , "Move across" , "Cross sideways" , "get across" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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