Crossword Genius

Without occupation (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

empty

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This might be a double definition.

'without' is the first definition.
(thesaurus)

'occupation' is the second definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how one could define the other.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for empty that I've seen before include "Containing nothing" , "Unoccupied" , "Void; vacant" , "Evacuate" , "Unfilled" .)

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