Crossword Genius

Hat left out in alcove (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bower

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'alcove' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for bower that I've seen before include "Garden space shaded from the sun by plants" , "Shaded place under trees" , "Shady shelter" , "Arbour" , "Anchor" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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