Imprisoned arrestee meditated, and was admired (8)

I believe the answer is:

esteemed

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'admired' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'imprisoned arrestee meditated and' is the wordplay.
'ESTEEMED' is hidden in amongst the letters.
But, I am not sure how this is indicated.

'was' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for esteemed that I've seen before include "Highly admired" , "Highly regarded" , "Respected and appreciated like customer" , "Thought highly of, say customer" , "attracting veneration" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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