Crossword Genius

The despicable fellow could be a bit truculent (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cur

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'the despicable fellow' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

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

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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