Crossword Genius

Merman, maybe? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ethel

'merman' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for ethel that I've seen before include "Trying not to be seen" , "Lady" , "Dame --- Smyth; William Brown's sister" , "woman" , "Lethe (anag) -- Barrymore or Merman" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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