Crossword Genius

Servile follower duke engaged in Dorset town (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

poodle

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'servile follower' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'duke engaged in dorset town' is the wordplay.
'duke' becomes 'd'.
'engaged in' indicates putting letters inside.
'dorset town' becomes 'poole' (I've seen this before).
'd' placed into 'poole' is 'POODLE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for poodle that I've seen before include "Curly-haired breed of dog" , "5 [MANS BEST FRIEND]" , "Dog with curly coat, often clipped" , "Dog (seen in a parlour?)" , "Woofing" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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