Answer: DAN

Dan is a martial arts term that is used to denote a rank or level of expertise, typically in Japanese martial arts such as Judo, Karate, Aikido, etc. In these disciplines, practitioners progress through various dan ranks as they gain skill and experience. Each dan rank represents a higher level of proficiency and is often symbolized by wearing a different colored belt or other insignia.

Note: The provided meaning of the answer is for the latest New York Times crossword puzzle clue: Novelist Brown. Explanations are generated by AI and may be inaccurate.