Crossword Genius

Sign of laughter by Republican glutton? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

harbinger

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'sign' is the definition.
(harbinger is a kind of sign)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for harbinger that I've seen before include "Precursor" , "sign of things to come" , "Herald - forerunner" , "Early sign" , "One giving advance warning" .)

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