Crossword Genius

Inconstant figure favouring odd bits of them and us? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

proteus

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

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

'favouring odd bits of them and us?' is the wordplay.
'favouring' becomes 'pro' (I've seen this before).
'odd bits of' means one should take alternating letters.
'and' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
The alternating letters of 'them' are 'te'.
'pro'+'te'+'us'='PROTEUS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for proteus that I've seen before include "Greek sea-god" , "Sea god who assumed different shapes to avoid answering questions" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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