Crossword Genius

Judge sequesters large Dickensian house? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bleak

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

'judge sequesters large dickensian house?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'judge sequesters large' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'large' could be 'l' (eg in clothes sizes) and 'l' is found within the answer.
'judge' could be 'beak' and 'beak' is found in the remaining letters.
This accounts for all the letters.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bleak that I've seen before include "raw > fish" , "Bare, inhospitable" , "Austere" , "Cold and raw" , "offering little comfort" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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