Here comes another themeless for ya! Sigh, 31-Across. A sad truth I have been forced to confront of late. That and 8-Down, which is a word I find interesting but was too out there for at least one mainstream editor.
Enjoy!
Tough as Nails Themeless #17
8D (ULTRAMONTANE) was a new one for me, and its etymology turns out to be quite interesting.
Also appreciated the novel clues for 32D (LAS) and 33D (OAR). I was not familiar with the secondary meaning of “erg” (a type of desert area in the Sahara consisting of shifting sand dunes).
The only entry which seemed a bit off was 41D (SCRODS), since I would have guessed the plural form is the same as the singular. But I guess “cod” will accept either pluralized form, so I suppose it’s technically acceptable.
Great puzzle, as always. I’ve heard 8D and knew the etymology but not the meaning.