Haughty pair: couple from south (5)
I believe the answer is:
proud
'haughty' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'pair couple from south' is the wordplay.
'pair couple' can mean two replacements for 'pair'.
'pair' becomes 'pr' (abbreviation).
'pair' becomes 'duo' (two people).
'from south' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'duo' backwards is 'oud'.
'pr'+'oud'='PROUD'
(Other definitions for proud that I've seen before include "Slightly projecting; imposing" , "Feeling self-respect - projecting from a surface" , "Boastful" , "Walking tall" , "Feeling gratified or arrogant" .)