Crossword Genius

Rely on three directions from noblewoman (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

countess

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'noblewoman' is the definition.
(I know that countess is a type of noblewoman)

'rely on three directions' is the wordplay.
'three directions' can mean three substitutions for 'direction'.
'rely on' becomes 'count' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'direction' becomes 'E' (E is an example).
'direction' becomes 'S' (S is an example).
'direction' becomes 'S' (S is an example).
'count'+'e'+'s'+'s'='COUNTESS'

'from' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for countess that I've seen before include "Titled lady" , "Earl's wife" , "Wife of an earl" , "Noblewoman" , "Aristocratic lady" .)

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