Crossword Genius

Reject one way or the other (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

leper

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

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for leper that I've seen before include "Someone shunned" , "Outcast, pariah" , "Undesirable" , "Sufferer from dread disease, once made to wear bell" , "Social reject" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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