Crossword Genius

Watch closely but missing old hare (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

scut

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'hare' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both animals as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

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

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for scut that I've seen before include "Short tail of hare" , "Short erect tail" , "Deer's tail" , "Short tail, such as rabbit's" , "Short tail of rabbit, deer etc" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times and The Times.
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