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Late boss, a dull, uninspiring person (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

deadhead

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'a dull uninspiring person' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how they can define each other.

'late boss' is the wordplay.
'late' becomes 'dead' (similar in meaning).
'boss' becomes 'head' (synonyms).
'dead'+'head'='DEADHEAD'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for deadhead that I've seen before include "Remove faded blooms from" , "archetypal hippy" , "Trim faded bloom" , "bore" , "One doesn't pay to get in" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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