Novel English combat sport (4)

I believe the answer is:

emma

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'novel' is the definition.
(novel by Jane Austen)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for emma that I've seen before include "Austen character" , "Eponymous heroine" , "Female" , "Best Actress Oscar winner 1992, for 'Howard's End'" , "Jane Austen's fourth novel (1815)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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