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Each more serious New Yorker, say (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

easterner

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'new yorker say' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

'each more serious' is the wordplay.
'each' becomes 'ea' (abbreviation).
'more serious' becomes 'sterner' (stern can mean serious or strict).
'ea'+'sterner'='EASTERNER'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for easterner that I've seen before include "New Yorker perhaps" , "Asian" , "Opposite of westerner" , "resident of New Jersey?" , "Resident of Connecticut, perhaps" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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