Crossword Genius

Philosopher to take stock of dictator? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

russell

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

'philosopher' is the definition.
(Bertrand Russell)

'take stock of dictator?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'take' could be 'r' (abbreviation for 'recipe', Latin for 'take') and 'r' is present in the answer.
'stock' could be 'sell' and 'sell' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'us' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for russell that I've seen before include "actress (Rosalind or Jane)" , "Brand" , "He controversially filmed" , "Philosopher - prime minister - film director" , "group of universities" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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