Crossword Genius

Bear, Rupert, initially appearing in annual? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

brook

'bear' is the definition.
('brook' can be a synonym of 'bear')

'rupert initially appearing in annual?' is the wordplay.
'initially' indicates taking the first letters.
'appearing in' indicates putting letters inside.
'annual?' becomes 'book' (annual is a kind of book).
The initial letter of 'rupert' is 'r'.
'r' going into 'book' is 'BROOK'.

(Other definitions for brook that I've seen before include "running water" , "Stand for" , "Allow" , "Small fresh-water stream" , "Bear - small stream" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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