Crossword Genius

Writer holds note for groom (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

preen

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

'for groom' is the definition.
(a bird grooms itself by preening feathers)

'writer holds note' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'note' could be 're' (as in do-re-mi) and 're' is present in the answer.
'writer' could be 'pen' (something which writes) and 'pen' is present in the leftover letters.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for preen that I've seen before include "Groom with elaborate care" , "Groom with great care" , "demonstrate pride" , "Primp" , "Clean with the beak" .)

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