Crossword Genius

Said by the Frenchman to be the same (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ditto

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'be the same' is the definition.
(ditto means the same as previously mentioned)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for ditto that I've seen before include "As given above" , "Repeat the word(s) above" , "Duplicate" , "couple of marks" , "that which has been said" .)

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