Crossword Genius

The latter stages of Faust: her pity shows simplicity (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

austerity

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

'simplicity' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'the latter stages of faust her pity' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'her' could be 'teri' and 'teri' is present in the answer.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).

'shows' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for austerity that I've seen before include "Severeness of manner" , "Absence of luxuries" , "State of severe simplicity and moderation" , "Self-denial of pleasures" , "hardship" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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