Crossword Genius

In general, black marks (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

smuts

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'black marks' is the definition.

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for smuts that I've seen before include "South African field marshal and premier" , "signs of pollution" , "Specks of soot - South African statesman, d. 1950" , "In South Africa general" .)

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