Crossword Genius

Flier and French disciplinarian (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

martinet

'disciplinarian' is the definition.
('martinet' can be a synonym of 'disciplinarian')

'flier and french' is the wordplay.
'flier' becomes 'martin' (martin is a kind of birdanimal**).
'and french' becomes 'et' ('and' in the French language).
'martin'+'et'='MARTINET'

(Other definitions for martinet that I've seen before include "A strict disciplarian" , "Gradgrind was one" , "Stickler for discipline" , "drillmaster" , "A rigorous operator" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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