No early start for pewter broken by cad (5)
I believe the answer is:
twerp
'cad' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
I don't understand the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for twerp that I've seen before include "In slang, a stupid or objectionable person" , "Numpty" , "Pillock" , "Twit" , "Silly-billy" .)