Haul ruler back, showing esteem (6)
I believe the answer is:
regard
'esteem' is the definition.
('regard' can be a synonym of 'esteem')
'haul ruler back' is the wordplay.
'haul' becomes 'drag' ('drag' can be a synonym of 'haul'**).
'ruler' becomes 'er' (abbreviation for Elizabeth Regina).
'back' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'drag'+'er'='drager'
'drager' in reverse letter order is 'REGARD'.
'showing' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for regard that I've seen before include "Consider; attention" , "Attention; esteem" , "Esteem, respect" , "Former gold coin" , "Look at; admiration" .)