Crossword Genius

Spiky little one plays mischievously on the streets. (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

urchin

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'spiky little' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how one could define the other.

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for urchin that I've seen before include "kid on street" , "Grubby boy or sea plant" , "Poor city child" , "Marine hedgehog" , "Hedgehog - ragamuffin" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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