Crossword Genius

Restrains a killer in a motel (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bates

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

'restrains' is the definition.
(bating is a kind of restraining)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bates that I've seen before include "short-story writer" , "moderates" , "motel owner" .)

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