Crossword Genius

Student leaves cougar for one old lady (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mamma

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'old lady' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'student leaves cougar for one' is the wordplay.
'student' becomes 'l'.
'leaves' indicates named letters should be taken away.
'cougar for one' becomes 'mammal' (cougar is a kind of mammal).
'mammal' with 'l' removed is 'MAMMA'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for mamma that I've seen is " Child's parent".)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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