Crossword Genius

American crime fighter in cape (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ness

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'cape' is the definition.
(I know that cape can be written as ness)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ness that I've seen before include "Scottish loch - headland" , "Loch of monster fame" , "Scottish Lough of monster myth" , "something added for quality" , "Where you're reputed to see monster" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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