Crossword Genius

Nobleman in real distress (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

earl

'nobleman' is the definition.
(member of the nobility)

'real distress' is the wordplay.
'distress' indicates an anagram.
'real' is an anagram of 'EARL'.

'in' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for earl that I've seen before include "A real sort of lord" , "Jimmy Carter's middle name" , "-- Grey, PM 1830-34" , "Male equivalent of a countess" , "Count" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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