A favourite of the type to come first (3)
I believe the answer is:
pet
'a favourite' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'the type to come first' is the wordplay.
'PET' is hidden in amongst the letters.
However, I am unsure how this is indicated.
'of' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for pet that I've seen before include "Cherished animal" , "Loved domestic animal" , "Favourite, perhaps a domestic animal" , "Cat or dog" , "Darling; fit of sulks" .)