Crossword Genius

Playwright crouched down to audience (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

coward

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'playwright' is the definition.
(Noel Coward)

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

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(Other definitions for coward that I've seen before include "A craven person" , "One lacking in courage" , "Author of 'Blithe Spirit'" , "Faint-hearted person" , "One chicken-hearted" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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