Crossword Genius

Not a licensed house? (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pub

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'house?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I don't see?

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

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pub that I've seen before include "Inn, bar" , "A familiar hostelry" , "Slug and Lettuce, perhaps" , "Boozer" , "Tavern, hostelry" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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