Crossword Genius

Hawkish type with various cruelties putting us off (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tiercel

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'hawkish type' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tiercel that I've seen before include "See hawk" , "It flies" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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