Crossword Genius

Illness of mother, noblewoman (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

malady

'illness' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'mother noblewoman' is the wordplay.
'mother' becomes 'ma' (Ma is another word for mother or mum).
'noblewoman' becomes 'lady' (synonyms).
'ma'+'lady'='MALADY'

'of' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for malady that I've seen before include "Sickness or disease" , "Complaint" , "Disease, ailment" , "Afflication" , "Illness or disease" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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