Crossword Genius

Praise boastfully in a letter to a relative (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

vaunt

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'praise boastfully' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'letter to a relative' is the wordplay.
'letter' becomes 'v' ().
'to a relative' becomes 'aunt' (aunt is a kind of relative).
'v'+'aunt'='VAUNT'

'in a' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for vaunt that I've seen before include "Talk boastfully of" , "crow" , "Show off" , "Trumpet" , "brag" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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