Crossword Genius

Fairy, cast off, died (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

perished

'died' is the definition.
('perish' can be a synonym of 'die')

'fairy cast off' is the wordplay.
'fairy' becomes 'peri' (Persian mythological being).
'cast off' becomes 'shed' (synonyms).
'peri'+'shed'='PERISHED'

(Other definitions for perished that I've seen before include "Died, failed" , "(Of rubber) forty three" , "dead - with 15a" , "Ruined" , "Extremely cold - died - rotted" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app