Crossword Genius

Right - an Asian country or one from ancient times? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

roman

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'one from ancient times?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

'right an asian country' is the wordplay.
'right' becomes 'r' (common abbreviation).
'an asian country' becomes 'Oman' (country in Asia).
'r'+'oman'='ROMAN'

'or' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for roman that I've seen before include "Norma (anag) -- upright style of print" , "Type of candle, nose etc" , "(Of a nose) high-bridged" , "eg Nero" , "eg Julius Caesar" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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