Crossword Genius

The curate's dog (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cur

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This could be a double definition.

'the curate's' is the first definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how one could define the other.

'dog' is the second definition.
(a cur is an aggressive or scruffy dog)

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cur that I've seen before include "A low worthless dog" , "Vicious dog" , "Mongrel; rascal" , "Useless dog" , "Poor dog" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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