Crossword Genius

Minor gangster in an earlier age (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

childhood

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

'an earlier age' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'minor gangster' is the wordplay.
'minor' becomes 'child' (synonyms).
'gangster' becomes 'hood' (I've seen this before).
'child'+'hood'='CHILDHOOD'

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for childhood that I've seen before include "Between infancy and adolescence" , "Minority" , "Time of immaturity" , "Immature state" , "Early years" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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