Crossword Genius

In lecture, a reason for being stern (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rear

'being stern' is the definition.
(rear of a ship)

'in lecture a reason' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates a hidden word.
'REAR' can be found hidden inside 'lecture a reason'.

'for' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for rear that I've seen before include "Jump" , "parent" , "Of horse, rise up on hind legs" , "Hind part" , "what you may bring up" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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