Crossword Genius

Less assertive setter bitten by cat (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mousier

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'less assertive' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'setter bitten by cat' is the wordplay.
'setter' becomes 'I' (the person who set this crossword).
'bitten by' is an insertion indicator (I've seen this in other clues).
'cat' becomes 'mouser' (cat that kills mice).
'i' put inside 'mouser' is 'MOUSIER'.

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I've seen this clue in The Times.
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