Crossword Genius

Not a real nobleman (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

earl

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

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

'not a real' is the wordplay.
'real' can be anagrammed to 'EARL'.
However, I am not sure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for earl that I've seen before include "Husband of a countess" , "British noble" , "Lear (anag)" , "Countess his wife" , "Aristocrat ranking between marquis and viscount" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.
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