Crossword Genius

Figured out Fabricant finally, as he is rumoured to be (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

twigged

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

'figured out fabricant' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to thinking as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'finally as he is rumoured to be' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'he' could be 'ed' (short for Edward) and 'ed' is located in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for twigged that I've seen before include "caught on" , "Got the point" , "understood" , "Got wise" , "like the elder" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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