Crossword Genius

Plume of my aunt perhaps following exploit (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

feather

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

'plume' is the definition.
(I know that plume can be written as feather)

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

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for feather that I've seen before include "'Birds of a . . . . . . . flock together'" , "Rotate (propeller) blades (to reduce thrust)" , "thing of little importance" , "dance step" , "In your cap, it's an accomplishment" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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