Crossword Genius

Meets earl, back in high regard (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

esteem

'high regard' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'meets earl back' is the wordplay.
'earl' becomes 'e'.
'back' is a reversal indicator.
'meets'+'e'='meetse'
'meetse' written backwards gives 'ESTEEM'.

'in' is the link.

(Other definitions for esteem that I've seen before include "gain respect" , "Revere - prize" , "Favourable regard" , "Hold in deference and respect" , "Consider" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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