Crossword Genius

Ray act badly? I would follow showing supporter in draped female form (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

caryatid

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

'supporter in draped female form' is the definition.
I know that 'supporter', 'draped' and 'female' all relate to this answer. I also know that both the answer and definition are singular nouns

'ray act badly? i would follow' is the wordplay.
'badly?' indicates an anagram (I've seen 'badly' mean this).
'i would' becomes 'I'd'.
'follow' says to put letters next to each other.
'ray'+'act'='rayact'
'rayact' is an anagram of 'caryat'.
'caryat'+'id'='CARYATID'

'showing' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for caryatid that I've seen before include "supporting woman that's stony" , "Column in female form" , "Pillar in female form" , "Sculptured female figure as support pillar" , "She gives support in her column" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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.