Crossword Genius

Crazy about beastly mother (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dam

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'beastly mother' is the definition.
'dam' can be an answer for 'mother' (female parent of an animal). I am not certain of the 'beastly' bit.

'crazy about' is the wordplay.
'crazy' becomes 'mad' (synonyms).
'about' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'mad' reversed gives 'DAM'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dam that I've seen before include "Reservoir barrier" , "Mother of quadruped" , "Hold back; mother" , "Water barrier, quite mad" , "A mad animal mother" .)

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