Crossword Genius

Guard for pupil that's batted sometimes (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

eyelid

'guard' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how one could define the other.

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for eyelid that I've seen before include "Cover for viewer" , "Fold of skin on the face" , "Blinking membrane" , "Covering for organ of sight" , "It may be batted" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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