Crossword Genius

Originally called nieces on a regular basis (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nee

'originally called' is the definition.
(written before eg a maiden name)

'nieces on a regular basis' is the wordplay.
'on a regular basis' indicates alternate letters.
The alternate letters of 'nieces' are 'NEE'.

(Other definitions for nee that I've seen before include "Originally called" , "Born in France" , "Used to indicate the maiden name of a married woman" , "Name originally" , "Indicates the birth name of a married woman" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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