Crossword Genius

Hardy novel about a crazed nymph (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hamadryad

'nymph' is the definition.
(hamadryad is a kind of nymph)

'hardy novel about a crazed' is the wordplay.
'novel' is an anagram indicator.
'about' is an insertion indicator.
'crazed' becomes 'mad' (I've seen this before).
'hardy' anagrammed gives 'hryad'.
'a'+'mad'='amad'
'hryad' going around 'amad' is 'HAMADRYAD'.

(Another definition for hamadryad that I've seen is " Ophidian".)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.