Crossword Genius

Brace of small fish, not old (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

strut

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'brace' is the definition.
(I know that strut is a type of brace)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for strut that I've seen before include "Walk proudly like bantam-cock" , "Support - pompous walk" , "Stalk" , "Bar; walk stiffly" , "Take vain steps" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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