Crossword Genius

Run to follow old crone (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dogtrot

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

'run to follow' is the wordplay.
'run' becomes 'trot' (trotting is a kind of running).
'to' means one lot of letters go next to another (I've seen this in other clues).
'follow' becomes 'dog' (dog can mean to follow or torment).
'trot' after 'dog' is 'DOGTROT'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dogtrot that I've seen before include "Gentle paced run" , "Slowish running pace of canine analogy" , "running at gentle pace" , "Pace between walking and running" , "Gentle easy pace" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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