Crossword Genius

Would he make a hearty crony? (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ron

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

'would he' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'a hearty crony?' is the wordplay.
'RON' is hidden in amongst the letters.
But, I'm uncertain how this is indicated.

'make' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ron that I've seen before include "Short man's name" , "Shortened man's name" , "Boy's name (abbr)" , "Man" , "L. - Hubbard, US sci-fi writer" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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