Tough English novelist (5)
I believe the answer is:
hardy
This clue is a double definition.
'tough' is the first definition.
(I've seen this before)
'english novelist' is the second definition.
(novelist Thomas Hardy)
(Other definitions for hardy that I've seen before include "able to meet tough conditions" , "Strong and resilient" , "Brave" , "able to bear exposure" , "standing the test of time?" .)