Gruff (6)
I believe the answer is:
hoarse
'gruff' is the definition.
(I know that gruff can be written as hoarse)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for hoarse that I've seen before include "in need of throat spray?" , "Of voice, rasping or gruff" , "'Husky, gruff (6)'" , "With strained voice" , "Husky (from cold)" .)