Crossword Genius

Catty female (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tigress

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

This could be a double definition.

'catty' is the first definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.

'female' is the second definition.
(I know that tigress is a type of female)

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tigress that I've seen before include "Female wildcat" , "Fierce woman" , "dangerous animal" , "Large she-cat" , "hunting animal" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail, The Guardian and The Telegraph.
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