Crossword Genius

Third man sounds competent enough (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

abel

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'third man' is the definition.
(biblical third man after Adam and Cain)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for abel that I've seen before include "The first murderee?" , "Cain's younger brother" , "Early murder victim" , "Victim of 11" , "One man was murdered" .)

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