Crossword Genius

First the raging gale drowned the noise (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

leading

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'first' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

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(Other definitions for leading that I've seen before include "In the vanguard" , "In first place; space between lines of print" , "In pole position" , "Aligned in front" , "Foremost" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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