Crossword Genius

Old fashioned jug, or maybe porridge, termed vile (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

durance

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'old' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for durance that I've seen before include "Imprisonment" , "confinement no longer?" , "River in southern France" , "being kept in prison, in the past" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.