English swell makes the French dame a lady (11)

I believe the answer is:

gentlewoman

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'english swell' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'the french dame a lady' is the wordplay.
'the french dame' becomes 'gentle' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'a lady' becomes 'woman' (I've seen this before).
'gentle'+'woman'='GENTLEWOMAN'

'makes' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for gentlewoman that I've seen is " Female of good family".)

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

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