Fearless nobleman? (4)

I believe the answer is:

earl

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'nobleman?' is the definition.
(member of the nobility)

'fearless' is the wordplay.
'EARL' is hidden within the letters.
However, I'm unsure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for earl that I've seen before include "Aristocrat ranking between marquis and viscount" , "A real sort of lord" , "Peer (Br.)" , "Rank immediately above viscount" , "British noble" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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