What does the cryptic crossword clue "Female, old, with bad back (5)" mean?

The definition is "Female,". The wordplay uses charade, reversal. O (synonym of "old,") + EVIL (synonym of "bad") [reversal: "back"]; definition: "Female," The answer is OLIVE.

Female, old, with bad back (5)

Guardian Cryptic #27620 | 20 Across | 2018-09-21 flower

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