Crossword Genius

The French general died very famous (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

legend

'very famous' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'the french general died' is the wordplay.
'the french' becomes 'le' (**).
'general' becomes 'gen'.
'died' becomes 'd'.
'le'+'gen'+'d'='LEGEND'

(Other definitions for legend that I've seen before include "Footnote" , "Superstar" , "Old tale" , "Tale; caption" , "Story handed down from the past" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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