Crossword Genius

One telling tale about naughty woman (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

reeve

'one telling tale' is the definition.
(character in The Canterbury Tales)

'about naughty woman' is the wordplay.
'about' becomes 're' (regarding).
'naughty woman' becomes 'eve'.
're'+'eve'='REEVE'

(Other definitions for reeve that I've seen before include "Old judge" , "US actor" , "Pass cable through narrow opening" , "Former shire official" , "Former official - female ruff" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app