Crossword Genius

A necessity to be originally called a dame (4-2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

need-be

'a necessity' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'originally called a dame' is the wordplay.
'originally called' becomes 'nee' (written before eg a maiden name).
'a dame' becomes 'DBE' (Dame of the British Empire).
'nee'+'dbe'='NEED-BE'

'to be' acts as a link.

(Another definition for need-be that I've seen is " Necessity".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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