Crossword Genius

Lord's fib disheartened Grace (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

liege

'lord's' is the definition.
(feudal term for a superior)

'fib disheartened grace' is the wordplay.
'fib' becomes 'lie' (a fib is a lie).
'disheartened' suggests removing the centre (the middle or heart is removed).
'grace' with its centre taken out is 'ge'.
'lie'+'ge'='LIEGE'

(Other definitions for liege that I've seen before include "World War one battle site" , "Feudal (lord); vassal" , "Chieftain" , "Vassal; city in Belgium" , "Bound to render feudal service" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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