Crossword Genius

Sort of tender name (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

endearment

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

'sort' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how one could define the other.

'of tender name' is the wordplay.
'of' indicates anagramming the letters (the answer comes from or 'of' the letters).
'tender'+'name'='tendername'
'tendername' with letters rearranged gives 'ENDEARMENT'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for endearment that I've seen before include "Love, affection" , "Fondness" , "Love, maybe" , "Term of affection" , "Word of affection" .)

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