Crossword Genius

Colleague of Spooner's strengthened cry (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bedfellow

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'colleague' is the definition.
(both can mean an associate)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bedfellow that I've seen before include "Person slept with" , "Mate" , "Colleague" , "Close associate or partner" , "Partner (in the boudoir?)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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