Crossword Genius

Speak harshly of something coarse of its kind (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rasp

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'speak harshly' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

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(Other definitions for rasp that I've seen before include "Harsh noise - file" , "Grate; scrape" , "Smoother" , "Filing tool" , "Abrade" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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