Formerly saucy specialist (6)
I believe the answer is:
expert
'specialist' is the definition.
(a specialist is an expert in a field)
'formerly saucy' is the wordplay.
'formerly' becomes 'ex' (prefix meaning former or onetime).
'saucy' becomes 'pert' (synonyms).
'ex'+'pert'='EXPERT'
(Other definitions for expert that I've seen before include "Buff" , "Highly skilled or knowledgeable person" , "One who knows his stuff" , "Pro" , "Dab hand" .)