Friend outside of course returning scrutiny (7)
I believe the answer is:
perusal
'scrutiny' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'friend outside of course returning' is the wordplay.
'friend' becomes 'pal' (pal can mean a friend).
'outside' indicates putting letters inside.
'of course' becomes 'sure' (I've seen this in another clue).
'returning' is a reversal indicator.
'sure' back-to-front is 'erus'.
'pal' placed around 'erus' is 'PERUSAL'.
(Other definitions for perusal that I've seen before include "Careful examination" , "Study or scrutiny" , "Inspection" , "Thorough reading" , "Process of examination" .)