Crossword Genius

Man wept about brother then gave an account (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

described

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'gave an account' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to thinking as well as being past participle verbs.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'man wept about brother' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'man' could be 'des' and 'des' is located in the answer.
'about' could be 'c' (circa) and 'c' is present in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'then' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for described that I've seen before include "Represented in words" , "Portrayed in words" , "Reported" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app