Crossword Genius

Take off once, as a crow (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

avaunt

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'take off once' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'a crow' is the wordplay.
'crow' becomes 'vaunt' (I've seen this in another clue).
'a'+'vaunt'='AVAUNT'

'as' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for avaunt that I've seen before include "make tracks" , "Anything but a welcoming word!" , "Old word for be off" , "Shakespearian begone, move on" , "Leave" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sunday Times.
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