Crossword Genius

Ragtime band leader was great (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

alexander

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'ragtime' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for alexander that I've seen before include "band's leader on record" , "Great king of ancient Macedonia" , "The Great Man" , "Great Greek military commander" , "cant compare with the British Grenadier" .)

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