Crossword Genius

Eyebrow-raising writer (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pencil

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'writer' is the definition.
(something which writes)

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

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pencil that I've seen before include "American bureaucrat -- purple niches (anag)" , "Drawing instrument" , "Graphite stick" , "implement in case?" , "One doing boring clerical work?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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