Crossword Genius

Sat on throne, dictator's not exactly hailed (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

reigned

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

'sat' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with social activities as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'on throne dictator's not exactly hailed' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'on' could be 're' (regarding) and 're' is found in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for reigned that I've seen before include "Ruled" , "Maintained high position" , "Was monarch" , "Held sway" , "Was king" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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