Crossword Genius

Male cop in novel? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

policeman

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'male cop in novel?' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'male cop in novel?' is the wordplay.
'novel?' is an anagram indicator (I've seen 'novel' mean this (letters in a new or novel order)).
'male'+'cop'+'in'='malecopin'
'malecopin' anagrammed gives 'POLICEMAN'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for policeman that I've seen before include "officer" , "He's responsible for the maintenance of public order" , "Member of the Garda, say" , "Constabulary member" , "Menial cop (anag)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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