Crossword Genius

The spirit of play (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ariel

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'the spirit' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ariel that I've seen before include "Shakespearian spirit" , "Heavenly body" , "Sprite in The Tempest" , "Enchanting islander" , "Free spirit" .)

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