Crossword Genius

The Romans offered one to people with bread (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

circus

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

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for circus that I've seen before include "Open-air stadium of antiquity" , "One's named Oxford" , "Big top entertainment" , "Roundabout for the animal acts" , "Group of travelling performers" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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