Crossword Genius

Hateful big gun meeting half-hearted mob (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

execrable

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'hateful' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

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(Other definitions for execrable that I've seen before include "Abominable, deserves to be detested" , "Abominable, detestable" , "Accursed" , "Appallingly bad" , "Hated" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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