Crossword Genius

First peer, this writer estimated (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

earliest

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

'peer this writer estimated' is the wordplay.
'peer' becomes 'earl' (earl is a kind of peer).
'this writer' becomes 'I' (the person who is writing these clues).
'estimated' becomes 'est' (abbreviation).
'earl'+'i'+'est'='EARLIEST'

(Other definitions for earliest that I've seen before include "The first to arrive - to get the worm?" , "First occurring" , "Arriving first" , "Next available" , "Furthest back in time" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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