Crossword Genius

The province of little men (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

natal

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This could be a double definition.

'the province' is the first definition.
(I have seen 'old province' mean 'natal' so perhaps 'province' could also mean 'natal')

'little men' is the second definition.
Both the answer and definition are singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for natal that I've seen before include "description of delivery" , "Brazilian port" , "Pertaining to birth" , "Connected to birth" , "Former African place" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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