Crossword Genius

The fall of General Custer (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

autumn

'the fall' is the definition.
('autumn' can be a synonym of 'fall')

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for autumn that I've seen before include "Season of falling leaves" , "When harvests ripen" , "One of the seasons" , "Harvest season" , "October's season" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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