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In a heartless way, seized and released grouse (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

griped

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

'in a heartless way seized and released' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'grouse' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'grouse' could be 'gripe' (synonyms) and 'gripe' is found in the answer.
A single letter 'd' remains which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for griped that I've seen before include "Complained persistently" , "Moaned constantly" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times.
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