Crossword Genius

Festivity a habitual convict upset (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gala

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

'festivity' is the definition.
(I know that festivity can be written as gala)

'a habitual convict upset' is the wordplay.
'habitual convict' becomes 'lag' (I've seen this before. I am not sure about the 'habitual' bit.).
'upset' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'a'+'lag'='alag'
'alag' written backwards gives 'GALA'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for gala that I've seen before include "Sports meeting" , "Mix" , "Festive celebration" , "Festivity - celebration" , "Festive entertainment" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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