Crossword Genius

Untidy little beasts (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

litter

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'untidy little' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how they can define each other.

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for litter that I've seen before include "carrier" , "Light bed - rubbish" , "Carelessly dropped rubbish" , "Brood of young born to an animal" , "Refuse; brood" .)

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