Creature, aristocratic, holding back (4)
I believe the answer is:
rear
'back' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'creature aristocratic holding' is the wordplay.
'holding' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'REAR' is hidden in the letters of 'creature aristocratic'.
(Other definitions for rear that I've seen before include "Of horse, rise up on hind legs" , "Rump" , "Foster" , "Hind part" , "Breed or bring up" .)