Crossword Genius

A very good and superior woman (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

abbess

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'woman' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'a very good and superior' is the wordplay.
'a very good' becomes 'ss' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'and' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'superior' becomes 'abbe' (abbe is a kind of superior).
'ss' after 'abbe' is 'ABBESS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for abbess that I've seen before include "Person in charge of convent" , "one with unmarried sisters in her care" , "Nuns' leader" , "superior to her sisters!" , "Senior ecclesiastic" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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