Writer Brown (3)
I believe the answer is:
dan
'writer brown' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for dan that I've seen before include "Grade level in judo" , "Level of proficiency in Japanese combative sport" , "Grade of proficiency in judo" , "Man's name; judo grade" , "Skill level in judo" .)