Crossword Genius

Usual place for a wake (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

astern

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'usual place for a wake' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'a wake' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'a' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'stern' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for astern that I've seen before include "Towards the rear of a ship" , "Toward the tail of a vessel" , "Behind (a boat)" , "Abaft" , "Towards back of boat" .)

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