Crossword Genius

Relationship by male descent in Silverland (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

agnation

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

'relationship' is the definition.
(I know that agnation is a type of unilateral descent)

'by male descent in silverland' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'by' could be 'at' and 'at' is present in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for agnation that I've seen is " line for men".)

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