Crossword Genius

Urged peaceful bird to cross river (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

drove

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'urged' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with communicating as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'peaceful bird to cross river' is the wordplay.
'peaceful bird' becomes 'dove' (I've seen this before).
'to cross' indicates putting letters inside (some letters cross or go round others).
'river' becomes 'r' (abbreviation).
'dove' going around 'r' is 'DROVE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for drove that I've seen before include "Carried along by force" , "Pushed" , "Took car; herd animals" , "Flock being sent packing" , "Moving crowd" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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