Crossword Genius

Letters from schoolmaster not like Snape? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stern

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'snape?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'letters from schoolmaster not like' is the wordplay.
'letters from' says the answer is hidden in the clue (a selection of letters from the clue).
'STERN' can be found hidden inside 'schoolmaster not like'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for stern that I've seen before include "Old star" , "Poop" , "Where sailors may be" , "Severe; grimly serious" , "Unyielding - rump" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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