Critic, at her ineptest, collars Duchess (9)
I believe the answer is:
catherine
'collars duchess' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'critic at her ineptest' is the wordplay.
'CATHERINE' is hidden in amongst the letters.
But, I am unsure how this is indicated.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for catherine that I've seen before include "woman" , "Henry's fifth" , "Girl's name - kind of wheel" , "Great Russian empress" , "-- Wheel; -- the Great" .)