Crossword Genius

Well-known female friend and perjurer (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

familiar

'well-known' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'female friend and perjurer' is the wordplay.
'female' becomes 'f' (abbreviation).
'friend' becomes 'ami' ('friend' in French).
'and' says to put letters next to each other.
'perjurer' becomes 'liar' (a perjurer lies in court).
'f'+'ami'+'liar'='FAMILIAR'

(Other definitions for familiar that I've seen before include "spirit" , "Conservant with the witch's cat?" , "Well known like witch's servant" , "Well known or recognisable" , "Witch's companion" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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