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Hats off to harvesters for putting out the lunch (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

server

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'the lunch' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

'hats off to harvesters for putting out' is the wordplay.
'off' suggests deleting specific letters.
'for putting out' indicates anagramming the letters (out can mean wrong or inaccurate).
'harvesters' with 'hats' removed is 'rveers'.
'rveers' is an anagram of 'SERVER'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for server that I've seen before include "The one who sets the ball in play at tennis" , "Meal attendant" , "Computer managing network resources" , "Description of tennis player setting ball in play" , "Waiter or computer facility" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times.
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