Crossword Genius

Stern (reply?) (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gruff

(Other definitions for gruff that I've seen before include "Churlish" , "Rasping - ungracious" , "(Of voice) rough, low" , "Abrupt in manner - rough and low in pitch" , "Surly -- rough-spoken" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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