Crossword Genius

Persecute, but not round Red Square (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hundred

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

'square' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both quantities as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'persecute but not round red' is the wordplay.
'persecute' becomes 'hound' (hound can mean to harrass or persecute).
'but not' is a deletion indicator.
'round' becomes 'o' (round can mean a round object).
'hound' with 'o' taken out is 'hund'.
'hund'+'red'='HUNDRED'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hundred that I've seen before include "Historical division of a county - number" , "Old part of county" , "Former division of county" , "Century" , "Subdivision of shire; ton" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.