Gave as a new description of a barbarian (6)

I believe the answer is:

savage

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

'description of a barbarian' is the definition.
'savage' can be an answer for 'barbarian' (synonyms). I am not certain of the 'description of a' bit.

'gave as a new' is the wordplay.
'a new' is an anagram indicator.
'gave'+'as'='gaveas'
'gaveas' with letters rearranged gives 'SAVAGE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for savage that I've seen before include "Fierce, violent" , "Fierce and untamed" , "Fierce, cruel" , "Fierce, uncontrolled" , "Wild, barbarous" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app