Crossword Genius

Mark the sailor a six-footer (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

scarab

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'a six-footer' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how they can define each other.

'mark the sailor' is the wordplay.
'mark' becomes 'scar' (mark left by an injury).
'the sailor' becomes 'ab' (abbreviation for able seaman).
'scar'+'ab'='SCARAB'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for scarab that I've seen before include "divine thing once" , "Type of beetle" , "insect" , "Beetle regarded as divine by ancient Egyptians" , "Old abuse" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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