Persist as fierce type (6)

I believe the answer is:

dragon

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'type' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dragon that I've seen before include "Intractable person" , "Mythical monster - large lizard" , "Reptilian monster" , "Seventeen [HARRIDAN]" , "Fiery monster" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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