She accepts backup just the same (5)
I believe the answer is:
madam
'she' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?
I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for madam that I've seen before include "How one may address a woman" , "Conceited girl (colloq.)" , "Stuck-up girl" , "Make wildly happy" , "Woman with status - girl with bad manners" .)