Crossword Genius

One less than a crowd? (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

two

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This might be a double definition.

'one less' is the first definition.
The definition and answer can be both quantities as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'a crowd?' is the second definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how one could define the other.

'than' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for two that I've seen before include "Cat's coat" , "Pair; hour after lunch" , "Pair, deuce" , "eg Twins" , "Item" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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