Crossword Genius

First book stolen from dope makes grand (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

noble

'grand' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'first book stolen from dope' is the wordplay.
'first book' becomes 'b' (1st letter of 'book').
'stolen from' is a deletion indicator.
'dope' becomes 'nobble' (both can mean to drug a racehorse).
'nobble' with 'b' taken out is 'NOBLE'.

'makes' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for noble that I've seen before include "Imposing, magnificent" , "titled person" , "Honourable or of high rank" , "eg Earl" , "Lord" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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