Crossword Genius

Defamatory Aussie demand for classification possibly picked up (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

libellous

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'defamatory' is the definition.
(synonyms)

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

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(Other definitions for libellous that I've seen before include "Defamatory" , "Abusive" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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