Crossword Genius

Noble bird was in first place (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

titled

'noble' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'bird was in first place' is the wordplay.
'bird' becomes 'tit' (tit is a kind of bird).
'was in first place' becomes 'led' (to lead is to be in first place).
'tit'+'led'='TITLED'

(Other definitions for titled that I've seen before include "Belonging to the peerage" , "Given a name" , "peer?" , "as duke and duchess are?" , "Like members of the nobility" .)

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