Crossword Genius

Knack lost by leader on the hustings - tribal language? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sioux

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'knack' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

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(Other definitions for sioux that I've seen before include "Native American of Minnesota, perhaps" , "Native American people" , "N. American natives" , "American Indian tribe" , "in Dakota" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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