Crossword Genius

Skilled in removing the top from the hawser (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

able

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'skilled' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for able that I've seen before include "Efficient" , "Having considerable skill" , "... was I ere I saw Elba (palindrome)" , "Showing skill" , "See 10" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.
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