Crossword Genius

A strict or a liberal gentleman? (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aristocrat

'gentleman?' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'a strict or a liberal' is the wordplay.
'liberal' indicates an anagram.
'strict'+'or'+'a'='strictora'
'strictora' anagrammed gives 'ristocrat'.
'a'+'ristocrat'='ARISTOCRAT'

(Other definitions for aristocrat that I've seen before include "What's listed in Debrett" , "Member of the nobility" , "Noble" , "Patrician" , "Nobleman" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian and The Telegraph.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app