Crossword Genius

Was sorry to sound a bit crude (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rued

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

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

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(Other definitions for rued that I've seen before include "Was sorry" , "Was contrite about" , "Bitterly regretted" , "'Regretted, repented (4)'" , "was remorseful" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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