Crossword Genius

In the end, directors snub Italian females (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

signore

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'in the end directors snub' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'italian females' is the wordplay.
'italian' becomes 'signor' (Italian equivalent of 'mister').
'females' becomes 'e' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'signor'+'e'='SIGNORE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for signore that I've seen before include "gentleman of Verona, say" , "man from Italy" , "Italian title" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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