Crossword Genius

Preliminary version using coarse actors (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

roughcast

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'preliminary version' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how they can define each other.

'coarse actors' is the wordplay.
'coarse' becomes 'rough' (similar in meaning).
'actors' becomes 'cast' (group of actors).
'rough'+'cast'='ROUGHCAST'

'using' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for roughcast that I've seen before include "Wall covering" , "outdoor coat" , "often seen plastered outside" , "Lacking refinement" , "not in the best of form yet" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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