Nobleman years ahead of his time? (5)
I believe the answer is:
early
'his time?' is the definition.
'early' can be an answer for 'time?' (I've seen this in other clues). I am not certain of the 'his' bit.
'nobleman years ahead' is the wordplay.
'nobleman' becomes 'earl' (member of the nobility).
'years' becomes 'y' (abbreviation).
'ahead' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'earl'+'y'='EARLY'
'of' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for early that I've seen before include "Beforehand" , "Ahead of schedule" , "Before the expected time" , "sooner than expected" , "Post this for Christmas?" .)