Alternative appellations: Dickens, Lucifer etc? (9)
I believe the answer is:
nicknames
'alternative appellations' is the definition.
(alternative names for someone)
I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for nicknames that I've seen before include "Monikers" , "Familiar or affectionate add-on appellations" , "Chalky and Shorty, for instance" , "sobriquets" , "Handles" .)