Crossword Genius

Note about old dry mound (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

motte

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'mound' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'note about old dry' is the wordplay.
'note' becomes 'me' (musical note as in do-re-me).
'about' indicates putting letters inside.
'old' becomes 'o' (abbreviation).
'dry' becomes 'tt' (abbreviation for teetotal).
'o'+'tt'='ott'
'me' enclosing 'ott' is 'MOTTE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for motte that I've seen before include "Rise in defence" , "Tumulus" , "Castle mound" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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