Crossword Genius

Rub American uncle up the wrong way with authority (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

massage

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'rub' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for massage that I've seen before include "Relaxing manipulation" , "Manipulation of the muscles" , "Present favourably" , "Manipulate to get better results" , "Knead" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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