Crossword Genius

Civic dignitary possibly now alarmed (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

alderwoman

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

'civic dignitary' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I can't judge whether this works.

'possibly now alarmed' is the wordplay.
'possibly' indicates anagramming the letters.
'now'+'alarmed'='nowalarmed'
'nowalarmed' with letters rearranged gives 'ALDERWOMAN'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for alderwoman that I've seen is " equal-op Lord Mayor in waiting?".)

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app