Meg returned ruby (3)
I believe the answer is:
gem
'ruby' is the definition.
(ruby is an example)
'meg returned' is the wordplay.
'returned' says the letters should be written backwards.
'meg' reversed gives 'GEM'.
(Other definitions for gem that I've seen before include "36 Across or any other jewel" , "Precious or semi-precious stone" , "Emerald or sapphire, say" , "Diamond, ruby, or emerald" , "one of the Cairngorms?" .)