Creature from Old World lakes originally (3)
I believe the answer is:
owl
'creature' is the definition.
(owl is a kind of creature)
'old world lakes originally' is the wordplay.
'originally' indicates taking the first letters.
The first letters of 'old world lakes' is 'OWL'.
'from' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for owl that I've seen before include "paragon of wisdom?" , "Wise person" , "Nocturnal hunter" , "Solemn person" , "One flying" .)