Crossword Genius

Cut a prison term (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nick

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'cut' is the definition.
(I know that nick is a type of cut)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for nick that I've seen before include "Slight cut" , "diabolical person's name" , "Clink" , "Prison - steal" , "Lift" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent, The Guardian and The Telegraph.
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