Crossword Genius

Grand book stolen from dope? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

noble

'grand' is the definition.
('noble' can be similar in meaning to 'grand')

'book stolen from dope?' is the wordplay.
'book' becomes 'b'.
'stolen from' is a deletion indicator.
'dope?' becomes 'nobble' (both can mean to drug a racehorse).
'nobble' with 'b' removed is 'NOBLE'.

(Other definitions for noble that I've seen before include "Having high moral character" , "Magnificent old coin" , "Maybe count" , "with a title?" , "Dignified" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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