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Old and mean, but not initially too old (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

overage

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'too old' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for overage that I've seen before include "Too old to qualify or a surplus of goods" , "Excess" , "Older than certain limit" , "Excessively old" , "Too old to be eligible" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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