Crossword Genius

Noble gong that can have a piercing ring? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

earlobe

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'noble gong that can have a piercing ring?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how one could define the other.

'noble gong' is the wordplay.
'noble' becomes 'earl' (earl is a kind of noble).
'gong' becomes 'OBE' (Order of the British Empire award or 'gong').
'earl'+'obe'='EARLOBE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for earlobe that I've seen before include "place to hang jewelry" , "Part of body" , "Often-pierced flap" , "Fleshy part of hearing organ" , "low part of organ" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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